Kempton business seminar to empower local entrepreneurs
She is passionate about entrepreneurship, socio-economic change and development
By Brian Sokutu
Emelda Mashaba, a young Ekurhuleni graduate, is pulling all the stops to ensure that business skills reach all local entrepreneurs, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mashaba has been hard at work, requesting business for any sponsorship to realise her dream of hosting a business empowerment seminar and expo to take place at Kempton Park Civic Centre on December 13.
“The aim of the seminar and expo is to stimulate SMME growth, create sustainable jobs in previously disadvantaged communities and eradicate poverty,” Mashaba said.
“The seminar seeks to identify and develop a solution-driven generation of entrepreneurs who will be active participants in the growing economy and fight unemployment and other social ills,” she added.
The Empowerment Seminar and expo seeks to bring together small and emerging entrepreneurs from various industries. The event will be graced by seasoned entrepreneurs and speakers from various industries.
When Mashaba – an entrepreneur based in Ivory Park – obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, she never thought about finding a job but to be “my own boss”.
She is passionate about entrepreneurship, socio-economic change and development. “As a business consultant, I work closely with other SMMEs to render business intelligence services through knowledge hubs, training and mentoring and virtual advisory boards.”
Emelda is passionate about giving back and uses her academic background and influence to educate, develop and empower the less unfortunate.
Using her own funds, she has succeeded in hiring a venue and is grateful to a local retail store Pick n Pay for agreeing to sponsor food.
Mashaba: “There is still so much we still need to make the event a success and hope other local businesses will emulate Pick n Pay’s example. We need two laptops, a screen, projector, conference pack, camera, stationery and any other help to make a seminar of this nature a success.”
The seminar and expo, which will start at 9am, will be addressed by Edward Moshole: Founder & CEO of Chem Fresh, and Bradley Mmusi: Founder & General Manager of Tswana Group of Companies.
Those wishing to attend or help to sponsor the event can contact Emelda Mashaba on 078 432 1457 or 07256347479 or email: sandraemelda92@gmail.com
