Business Forum revitalises spirit of entrepreneurship among Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME’s) in the North West Province

The need to succeed is an imperative that always sits at the back of each person’s mind. It is not help if you sit down with a good idea not knowing exactly how you will pursue your desire to succeed when you sit down and not seek wisdom on where and how to start.

There are many ways and means that a driven person can find the necessary knowledge on how to reach their goals. You either read, enquire from those who know or listen to the radio or view you television.

Thanks to the Setshaba Sotlhe National Business Forum small business entrepreneurs in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality are all pumped up, ecstatic of the knowledge that has come to their door step to assist them to run their businesses in a professional manner that will benefit them in the long term.

The forum which is led by Mr Bangile Mgcina and a management team, boasts of about 130 members spread across the district municipality. The businesses range from bakeries, co-operatives, caterers, cleaning, security and so forth. The exuberance displayed by members themselves at a weekly business forum meeting last week at the North West University was humbling.

The atmosphere represented exactly what North West Premier Thandi Modise expressed during her State of the Province Address early this year when she said the “National Growth Path alone will not be a solution if it is not accompanied by innovation and active involvement of our people in various economic activities”.

“We have to continue with defining the partnerships which should be explored amongst departments and between government and other sectors of society to ensure that our rural development initiatives make the desired impact. In doing so we shall achieve our dream of sustainable rural communities and food security for all”, she continued.

Calls such as these are what Bangile Mgcina says have jolted him to action and relocate back to Mahikeng from Gauteng Province to lend a helping hand and respond the call to “Working together we can do more”.

The establishment of Setshaba Sotlhe National Business Forum seems to have breathed a new life into the SMME business owners. The spirit of entrepreneurship has clearly been revitalised. The forum provides training for its members.

Government entities such as Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) are invited to empower members on various business aspects. Last week SEDA personnel came to register individuals who would be empowered on Business Plan Development to be held shortly.

A representative from Companies and Intellectual Property Commission formerly known as CIPRO, a member of the Department of Trade and Industry Group came to present on Intellectual Property. The members were enlightened on the importance of trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs and even the performers’ protection rights for singers.

A member Maria Mokhuwane said she was pleased with the quality of information she receives from Setshaba Sotlhe since becoming a member. Co-owner of Brighter Future Creche in Mahikeng, Mokhuwane says her relationship with the children’s parents has improved considerably and their businesslike approach in running this establishment has made it possible for them to start work building a bigger and better facility.

Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0420
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za