Accelerating the kasi economy in Soweto
The Kasi Xcelerator programme was launched at the Soweto Theatre this past weekend to give township based SMMEs a much needed boost.
The Kasi Xcelerator programme was launched at the Soweto Theatre this past weekend to give township based SMMEs a much needed boost.
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The initiative brought under one roof local entrepreneurs from across Soweto and beyond for an information sharing session.
Stands were also set up outside the theatre for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and connect with the market.
Various speakers who have walked and experienced the journey of entrepreneurship took to the stage and shared some words of advice with attendees.
Owner of Mangrove Restaurant and Freedoms Kitchin, Kagiso Sebediela spoke about the importance of pricing and understanding the numbers in the food business.
Sebediela told entrepreneurs to never be afraid to charge for what the product is worth because at the end of the day they are in business to make profit.
Katlego Mogase delivered a talk about African medicine and monetising on them in the main stream economy.
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He shared ideas on now these medicines can be scientifically tested and approved by relevant authorities so that traditional doctors can start making profit from them.
Other speakers included Fezile Dlamini and Mmuso Mafisa who touched on technology and business opportunities that are available in that sector for young entrepreneurs especially from the townships.
Kasi Xcelerator programme is an idea born of three young female entrepreneurs namely Yonwaba Pangeni, Lufuno Muthubi-Mthethwa and Tlhogi Ngwato.
The three share a vision of developing and growing the township economy to fight youth unemployment through exposing them to economic opportunities.
With a focus on information sharing and networking, the programme seeks to create an environment where the public and private sector can work together for a sustained development.
Ngwato said, “Firstly, we want to provide an investment hub; a place where large companies can gain insight into township markets and in turn where kasi entrepreneurs can access funding in order to either grow existing businesses or establish new ones.
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“Secondly, we want to facilitate knowledge sharing among township businesses and also provide a formal means for them to access skills development and mentorship.
“Finally, we want to give entrepreneurs and innovators a means to showcase their offerings and so to grow their businesses.”
The response from young people, especially entrepreneurs was very positive as they listen attentively and engaged with every speaker that took to the stage.
The event was also a great platform for business owners to network and share ideas about possible future collaborations in their respective sectors.
MTN Business, Soweto Theatre, Soweto TV, Green Scooter and Torque Media supported and sponsored the initiative.
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