NAFCOC Ekurhuleni Roadshow Focuses on Township Economic Development through TED Act

The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) Ekurhuleni hosted a roadshow on the 6th of March 2024 at Wendy’s Refreshment in Marimba Gardens, Vosloorus. The program, themed “Township Development Act (TEDA),” aimed to empower black businesses and promote economic growth within townships.

Mr. Ntise Mahloko served as the program director, while Mr. Khumalo delivered the opening benediction. In his welcome address, Mr. Ratswana, the chairperson, expressed his gratitude to members who attended the event despite their busy schedules. He emphasized the significance of township economic development as a key area of focus.

Purpose of the Meeting

Mr. Thabo Radebe, secretary of NAFCOC Ekurhleni Youth and founder member of Imbizo Magazine, outlined the meeting’s purpose: to discuss the TED Act and its impact on township businesses.

Discussion Points
The discussion centered on the challenges faced by township businesses and potential solutions under the TED Act:

Challenges

Access to markets
Lack of resources
Collaboration among businesses
By-law policies and compliance
General Challenges and Opportunities
Entrepreneurs’ Introduction

The program director invited entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their businesses, fostering networking and brand recognition. A wide range of industries were represented, including woodwork, furniture, hospitality, bakery, business chambers, media/advertising, cleaning and maintenance, manufacturing, business consulting, landscaping, florist, environmental sustainability, electrician, network service providers, technology sector, e-learning, tombstones, and circular economy.

Discussions

Collaboration and Growth Opportunities

Mr. Khumalo of Kathorus Mail proposed skills development programs for youth in gardening services to create jobs and empower communities. He also offered Kathorus Mail as an affordable advertising platform distributing over 55,000 copies in Kathorus and surrounding areas.
Thandeka from Provantage Media Group, partnered with MTN, offered entrepreneurs mobile connectivity solutions (Skhokho price plan) and mobile money services. They address youth engagement challenges by presenting job opportunities like commission-based sales agents and a MoMO Project offering airtime sales, prepaid bill payments, mobile banking, and sim-card registration. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication for business growth.
Digital Presence and Support Services

Mr Mahloko stressed the need for NAFCOC to promote a strong digital presence for members’ businesses. He suggested establishing a Public Relations (PR) and Marketing department to offer support in these areas.
Collaboration in the Liquor Industry

Mr. Ntshangase identified a gap in the liquor industry and advocated for collaboration among entrepreneurs to strengthen their market position.
MTN Partnership

Mr. Khaya Dlamini from MTN explained their price plans, sales agent programs, and the MoMO Project benefits. He emphasized openness to forming business partnerships and proposals for joint ventures. He also committed to including representatives from the sponsorship department in future presentations to explore branding opportunities for businesses.
Family Tree Foundation and Kasi Mnotho Fund

Ms. Mbali Mthembu, representing the Family Tree Foundation’s Kasi Mnotho Fund, explained their partnership with the Economic Development Department under the TED Act. She provided details on processes and systems for businesses interested in acquiring financial support from Kasi Mnotho Fund. Their support includes:

Access to markets through incubation programs and product testing
Promotion of local products
Access to funding (loans) for operational businesses with financial records
Training programs (soft skills for entrepreneurs)
Business stokvel (saving club) program
Youth development initiatives
Industrial Park Concerns

Two NAFCOC members raised concerns regarding their operations in industrial parks.
A member from Vaal reported non-functional industrial parks with unfinished buildings in a dilapidated state. They requested NAFCOC Ekurhuleni’s assistance in engaging with their sister chamber in Vaal to investigate and find ways to ensure completion of the buildings for business occupancy.
The Orlando delegate was concerned about the security risk of handling large amounts of cash. Due to time constraints, this issue will be followed up by NAFCOC Ekurhuleni Exco with a collaborative partner.
Resolutions

The meeting adopted the following resolutions:

Explore collaboration and partnerships with different big business entities to assist NAFCOC Ekurhuleni in township economic development.
Sign an MOU between MTN and NAFCOC Ekurhuleni.
Conduct a skill audit among members to develop an internal database for a network of complementary skills among members.
Regularize and consolidate NAFCOC