Polokwane celebrates global entrepreneurship week

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality hosted the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) from November 13-22, celebrating local entrepreneurs and empowering them under the theme “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone”.

Events during the week featured a range of activities, including culinary showcases, fashion shows, agripreneurship discussions, and competitions across various categories. Venues like Nirvana Hall, the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Library Gardens, Jack Botes Hall, and Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane hosted these events on various days.

The city’s local economic and development manager, Moipone Segooa, highlighted the city’s proud tradition of celebrating GEW since 2014.

Speaking at the Peter Mokaba Executive Lounge, she spoke of this year’s focus on breaking barriers in the mining industry, with a theme centred on ‘Opportunities in Mining for SMMEs’.

She wished competitors success in presenting their innovative business ideas.

A highlight of the week was the culinary segment at Nirvana Hall, where multiple award-winning chef Chris Sebola inspired the audience.

Sharing his journey, Sebola recounted how his grandfather encouraged him to pursue hospitality management, leading him to earn a diploma from the American Hospitality Academy and gain international experience in the US.

Before his global career, he represented his college at national culinary competitions and contributed to ‘The Great South African Cookbook’, a collaboration between Tiger Brands and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The week also featured a business pitching competition, where entrepreneurs presented their services and products to secure funding for their ventures.

Polokwane Mayor John Mpe expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners, including Hollywood Foundation, Standard Bank, Limpopo Arts and Culture Council, TM Foods, Core Energy, WZR NPO among others, for making the event a success.