The KwaZulu-Natal provincial development agency is embarking on a province-wide roadshow this month incorporating its three flagship programmes – Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business Competition, Siyasebenza SMME workshops and Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business.
The annual SMME development roadshow coined “My Business Indaba” comprises of eight community workshops at various venues across KZN.
“Our three flagship programmes will have a profound impact on job creation against the backdrop of a dismal economy and will support government’s mandate to advance radical economic transformation,” said Yvonne Zwane, Ithala Group Chief Executive.
“As pioneers of banking the unbanked, we have an obligation to enrich the quality of life of historically marginalised communities. We understand the plight of these communities and are committed to making a developmental impact where it matters most.”
The organisation’s purpose is clear: to deliver development and empowerment solutions and encourage participation in all sectors of the economy, including and especially the historically-disadvantaged members of society, through employment creation, skills transfer and training.
In the past three years, Ithala has funded 684 business. The organisation disbursed R875 million, creating 7,917 jobs. Women-owned enterprises comprise 28% of Ithala’s loan book while youth businesses make up 39%.
My Business Indaba 2017 will be rolled out over two days with weekly sessions offering inspirational talks, advice, direction and opportunities for youth, women in communities, those who are currently in business and those individuals who aspire to get into business.
Workshop details are as follows and will be communicated across various media outlets:
- Empangeni: at Empangeni Town Hall on 16-17 May 2017
- Harding: at Umuziwabanu Town Hall on 23-24 May 2017
- Port Shepstone: June 2017
- Jozini: June 2017
- Manguzi: July 2017
- Pietermaritzburg: July 2017
- Durban: July 2017
Day one will be dedicated to an Inkunz’isematholeni information session from 09h00 to 11h00 followed by a consultation with key stakeholders from 12h00 to 15h00 - Ithala Business Finance Business Analysts, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), The Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Local Economic Development (LED) officers, etc.
Day two makes way for the “Imbokodo Iyazenzela” empowerment workshop featuring inspirational talks and advice from well-established businesswomen and an exhibition and Market Day from 10h00 to 14h00.
Ithala’s catalytic role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of SMMEs and co-operatives and promoting enterprise development was well known long before other institutions even coined the phrase.
For enquiries, call 031 907 8656 or email az.oc.alahti@okubizams.
