VEREENIGING.- The Vaal United Business Forum (VUBF) launched its Women’s sector at an event held at the Vereeniging Civic Theatre on Wednesday morning.
VUBF was launched in 2022 and caters for the business people in Sedibeng to promote trade and investment in the area, be the voice of the business people and promote economic growth for the region and the province. The organisation also aims to increase the participation of SMMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the local economy focusing particularly on women, youth and disabled community members.
At the event, women in business were challenged to stand up for themselves and not feel sidelined.
“As we launch this sector today, we need strong women, women who can do things for themselves and not feel that they need to always be spoon-fed and have their hands held. We are facing difficult times in our economy but we need to persevere. Go out there and make a difference, your business models should also say a lot about you and what you represent. You can do this,” said VUBF Chairperson, Lucky Khubekha as he encouraged the women in attendance at the launch.
In his overview, William Mphuthing, VUBFs’ General Secretary said that women should not let anyone make decisions for them.
“When women participate in the economy of this country, the nation will rise. The time is now for women to decide their destiny. You must decide what difference you want to make and what role you want to play in the economy. Dream big and become the change you want to see,” he said.
Women were encouraged to take spaces in business sectors such as transport, farming, carpentry, and building. The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) was also represented at the launch by SDM LED Manager Shaka Radebe and LED Executive Director Gregory Makhubo who encouraged women to engage the SDM with their business proposals.
Matladi Mphuting from Africa Sunrise Jewellery, one of the women SMME’s in attendance who handcrafts jewellery said: “We are happy about this launch, and that more and more opportunities are being opened for women to take their rightful place at the forefront.”
