Daveyton entrepreneurs embrace digital, financial mastery
One of the speakers shared his story of starting an internet café from his mother’s garage at age 16.
The Tshepo-Themba Multipurpose Resource Centre in Daveyton recently came alive with innovation as township entrepreneurs attended the second session of the Digital Transformation and Financial Education full-day practical training.
Participants explored how artificial intelligence, digital tools and financial literacy can streamline operations, unlock new markets and drive profitability.
They received practical resources, including The Township Entrepreneurs Guide to Get Things Done, a workbook covering sales, personal development, team building and market access, along with the Business Model Canvas toolkit to help map and refine their business models.
In the session Understanding Digital Transformation for Township Businesses, entrepreneur and business mentor Bulelani Balabala explained how township entrepreneurs can harness digital tools to grow their businesses.
He shared his story of starting an internet café from his mother’s garage at age 16 after leaving high school, imparting lessons learned along the way.
“Enterprise demands movement. Sometimes the steps you take won’t make immediate sense; they may feel small, inconvenient or unclear. Yet these very steps keep you in motion, preparing you for the long-term vision,” Balabala said.
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Marang Marekimane guided participants through the Business Model Canvas, explaining: “The Canvas is a simple but powerful tool for mapping a business or product.
“It forces you to answer: Who will buy my product? How will I deliver it? How will I make money? It’s not a one-time document; it’s a living blueprint.”
In the Financial Literacy and Banking Tools session, Gert Adams, Financial Wellness Advisor from Nedbank, emphasised that seeing your business succeed starts with belief in yourself. The session Cash Without Hassle: Safety and Simplicity for Township Entrepreneurs offered practical insights on managing transactions securely and efficiently.
A panel facilitated by Balabala featured Zweli Mahlangu, commercial leader from HelloPay, and Busisiwe Buyeye, key account manager from Flash.
The Digital Marketing, Sales and Processes segment included mentors Tumelo Letsoalo, Itumeleng Hlapane, Derrick Ndzavi and Marang Marekimane, also facilitated by Balabala.
The session provided practical strategies for township entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, engage customers and grow sustainably.
For more information: Instagram: @townshipentrepreneur / Facebook: TEA – Township Entrepreneurs Alliance / TikTok: @townshipentrprenuer / Linktree: https://linktr.ee/joinusfortea
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