The 2016 Entrepreneurship Lecture comes at a time when small businesses operating in the township are faced with many difficulties within the formal and informal economy.
This years lecture will be delivered Minister of Small Business Development, Mme Lindiwe Zulu, and is set to inspire, deliberate, educate and discuss challenges and opportunities facing SME’s and township businesses in different sectors and industries.
The lecture, hosted in Soweto since 2013, allows deep engagement on economic issues affecting township-based entrepreneurs and forms part SABEF’s Kasi2Kasi development initiative.
South African’s from all walks of life take great inspiration from the founding father of the nation, Nelson Mandela, and it is through his legacy of open and transparent leadership that we continue the effort of supporting township development by assisting in the development of sustainable township economies.
In 2016 alone, the Kasi2Kasi initiative will benefit 400 township-based small businesses in the Gauteng province through community-based training programme, accounting and financial management tools and financial support through GEP.
The lecture also affords participants an opportunity to think proactively about the business environment in which they operate, and to actively engage with organised business around advocating for improved business services. Furthermore, attendees get first hand access to the SABEF’s vision for the future of the South African economy. Over the years, SABEF has played a pivotal role in advancing active government participation in township development, social cohesion, Pan-African engagement, digital inclusion and now economic inclusion.
The event will be hosted by Lebo Gunguluza, Executive Chairman of the GEM Group, investor and a Dragon’s Den SA television personality. Other speakers include Mr. Ndaba Ntsele, Chairman of the Black Business Council (BBC), Mr. Vuyisa Qabaka, Non-executive director at SABEF and Mr. Ndaba Mandela, Chairman of the Africa Rising Foundation.
The Nelson Mandela Day Lecture takes place at the Soweto Theatre from 5h30pm on Tuesday 19 July 2016.