Digital training for business women

Women from around the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality who run small businesses, said the lessons they had learnt from Google’s digital training on Friday made them realise the importance of an online presence.

Phakama Sibozo, who sells fat cakes and fried fish for a living, said she had never thought of using Whats App and Facebook to boost her business.

“The most important thing I learnt is that my cellphone is my most important tool and if used properly, I could reach more customers.”

She said she only used Facebook to socialise with her friends, but she was already thinking of creating a page about her small business.

The training was provided by Google through Lindamahle Management Systems, in partnership with the municipality.

The initiative is aimed at bringing technology literacy courses to job seekers and businesses across SA.

The digital skills programme provided free training courses, tools and in-person coaching.

Lindamahle founder and CEO Zine Nkukwana is the only woman in the Southern African region whose company was appointed by Google to facilitate the programme in SA.

She encouraged the more than 500 women who attended the training, to “allow the internet to work for you”.

“Online presence is all the marketing and advertising you may need. With just a few megabytes of data your company or brand could reach customers as far off as India.”