The Joburg Market’s Opportunity Centre successfully presented an Access to Market workshop that attracted over 30 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) on Friday, 17 April 2023. The workshop was held in partnership with Enactus UJ to empower SMMEs with e-commerce initiatives to grow their businesses and generate employment. Bongani Mokgalaka, a Business Adviser at the Market’s Opportunity Centre, says partnering with Enactus UJ was a way to help SMMEs get their products known and become marketable. It was also facilitate the growth of small business in the City.
“Supporting SMMEs is one of our aims, and it is part of our mission to help build a more fair and inclusive society by boosting economy status in the City , providing opportunities through equality, diversity, inclusion, and setting SMMEs for success,” says Mokgalaka.
Lawrence Seseni, the University of Johannesburg Faculty Adviser in the Department of Business Management and Joyce Sibeko, a University of Johannesburg Lecturer in entrepreneurship, spoke about the origins of Mkhaya Virtual Store, its services and the convenience of the virtual store.
“Mkhaya Virtual store is one of the Enactus products that we have seen to be excelling in promoting small businesses. Seeing that a lot of small business lack market access and market credibility this platform be a solution to acquire appropriate recognition in the market.”
“This is a platform that will help small businesses to tackle their challenges as the e-commerce and completion continues to grow. This is a perfect platform for local small businesses to dominate, populate the market and strengthen their growth.”
Akona Bovula, the manager of the Opportunity Centre at the Joburg Market, says the growth and success of SMMEs is not only crucial for the Opportunity Centre but for the country’s economy as a whole.
“With constant opportunities we provide the SMMEs with, we hope to not only benefit the SMMEs but to also elevate the economic growth and development,” says Bovula”.
Zanele Mhlongo, the CEO of Lakhalakhe 0902 General Trading, has benefited from a series of workshops by the opportunity centre and expresses her appreciation and admiration.
“I am very grateful for the commitment of the centre to assist SMMEs. I hope the launched platform will help my business to grow and other small businesses owners,” says Mhlongo.
Visit the Mkhaya Visual Store @ mkhayavirtualstore.co.za for more information.
Written by Getrude Mamabolo
14/04/2023