Finding gems in the townships

Initiative aims to put together Khayelitsha small business owners for networking and mutual mentoring

KASI entrepreneur Luyanda Bushula has big plans to grow the township economy and took a step closer to his objective by launching his eKasi Business Drive Initiative (eBDI) in Khayelitsha this week.

The eBDI aims to help local entrepreneurs grow their business and create links that extend beyond the borders of the township.

“Most businesses start small, and grow, but once they reach boiling point they stay there and eventually enter a downward spiral.

“The major causes of this are a lack of mentoring and a failure to attract new clients,” said Bushula.

“Our objective is to get local entrepreneurs to network and mentor one another,” he added.

eBDI is supported by Business Networking International (BNI). Twelve BNI business owners attended the event, where they held a workshop.

BNI Cape Town director Claudia Lowry said: “We are so proud to be working with Luyanda on this initiative. We’ve been wanting to get more involved in the Khayelitsha community for years but we were waiting for the right person to come along. Luyanda is that person.”

A few Khayelitsha entrepreneurs were there and they held an open discussion about business. They each had a minute to introduce themselves and market their business to Bushula and the BNI panel.

Their businesses included catering, entertainment services, retail, tourism and even a car wash.

The discussion also focused on teaching marketing, networking effectively, mentorship and how to build trust in the referral business.

Silulami Siwela, who runs a car wash and cleaning services business, said being there was a great opportunity to learn and network with established business owners.

LUYANDA BUSHULA