Emerging entrepreneurs in local communities can give their businesses a competitive edge by joining forces, pooling their resources and harnessing their collective purchasing power.
This according to Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister, Zuko Godlimpi, who addressed an empowerment workshop, hosted by the Methodist Church’s Young Women’s Manyano, in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape, over the weekend.
The workshop, also attended by Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku, aimed to equip young women with information on government support programmes that can help strengthen and grow local businesses.
The women showcased their entrepreneurial skills at a mini exhibition featuring products, including beadwork, pottery and textiles.
Using their talents as a springboard, Godlimpi urged them to work together to buy and sell in bulk, enabling them to access better opportunities and accelerate the growth of their businesses.
“… Township businesses need to work together to procure from wholesalers if they wish to [be competitive],” he said.
Glodlimpi’s call comes against the backdrop of a recent report by the Competition Commission of South Africa on the Township and Rural Economy, which found that local businesses face challenges in sourcing, selling and regulatory compliance.
“These constraints prevent many enterprises from scaling up, formalising and becoming more integrated into broader value chains,” he said.
Godlimpi also encouraged the young entrepreneurs to embrace technology, establish an online presence and use digital platforms to market their products.
He urged them to think beyond South Africa’s borders too, encouraging them to explore opportunities to take their businesses into international markets. - SAnews.gov.za
