Locals come in numbers to support small businesses
“Our mandate is to ensure that small businesses have access especially to the local market and grow their businesses.”
Westgate Shopping Centre was abuzz with activity as local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) proudly showcased their products and services to the community and shoppers on Saturday, December 3.
Shoppers visited the market tent and grabbed a number of household products that were available at a reasonable price, like chilies and atchar, biltong, cooking sauces, spa and beauty products.
Services included garment sewing, manufacturing of furniture, shoes and chocolates.
City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development, Isiqalo Opportunity Centre Region C and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) put together the pop-up market to create market access for emerging and established SMMEs in Region C.
Region C Director Mlamleli Bellot welcomed everybody and said that as Johannesburg, they feel honoured that local SMMEs are the building block of the economy, creating job opportunities for others thus adding value to the City.
“We are now working together with SEDA to ensure that is not the last day for open market but only the beginning,” said Bellot.
According to Simon Chia who is the Branch Manager of SEDA in Johannesburg, as SEDA they have realised that they cannot do it alone and have introduced an ecosystem where they work with other stakeholders like the City of Johannesburg in the enterprise development space.
“Our mandate is to ensure that small businesses have access especially to the local market and grow their businesses,” explained Chia.
Keletso Koko of Tse Babang Homemade African Flame said that they make a blend of chili products to make chili sauces for salsa, marinate, cooking or as a dip.
“We like this event as it gives us an opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs and see what is on the market and importantly gives us an opportunity to be seen out by potential customers.
“We would really wish for the City to organise more of the same and as often as possible,” said Koko.
Fortunate Khumalo of the City of Johannesburg’s Isiqalo Opportunity said that the pop-up market came as a result of the request they often receive from SMME’s workshops and training that there is a need for growth and information sharing.
“As a caring City, we welcomed the idea and as such, we are working in partnership with SEDA for an ongoing support to SMMEs by the City of Joburg,” she said.
