Women get business savvy in Alexandria
Entrepreneurs learn about finance, agriculture, tax issues
To close off Women’s Month, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in the Sarah Baartman District hosted a women’s empowerment expo in Alexandria. The objective was to provide women with information on socioeconomic opportunities.
In the opening remarks, GCIS regional communication coordinator Noluvuyo Mangweni encouraged the women to engage with the stakeholders and ask questions.
Women small business owners from the community engaged with the Small
Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) as they unpacked some of their small business support and business development programmes.
“You have got to start assessing what the needs of the community are in order for you to become an entrepreneur “NocwakaJoka said, while engaging the women on the various lending product options offered by Sefa.
Joka also encouraged the women to think creatively around the business initiatives that may serve as an intervention in the current water crisis in Ndlambe Local Municipality.
Xolisani Nako from The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) elaborated on the agroprocessing programme that introduces small-scale subsistence farmers to the commercial farming value chain.
“We have a keen interest in serving rural communities. Anytime you need our assistance, we will be available to support and engage with you further because this area has a history of being rich in agriculture.”
Included on the programme was much-needed tax compliance education by the SA Revenue Service (Sars).
The community also got an opportunity to ask questions and got clarity on the modernised Sars digital and streamlined online service.
Work seekers were not left out of the conversation as the department of employment and labour explained the various employment services and the official, Viwe Zici, also responded to the many income protection related questions.
Information leaflets on various government support programmes were given out.
A highlight of the conversation was the general and mutual appreciation of the prospects of agriculture in the area.
The women expressed their interest in the various products that were presented to them.
The session would lead to exploration of many business opportunities in the area, especially in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, Mangweni said.
Entries must be submitted by 3:30pm on Tuesday at the TotT Office 29 Miles St. Winners of previous weeks’ crosswords: Halyards Hotel and Spa voucher– Roly Clayton. Winner to please collect voucher from TotT offices before attempting to redeem prize.