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The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni will be officially launching SEDA Ekurhuleni Branch tonight at 18h00.
This purpose of launching the office is to create awareness about the existence of SEDA in Ekurhuleni as well as to acknowledge the role and importance of stakeholder relationship and partnership which is a pillar & a cornerstone for adding an impact to entrepreneurship development.
The event will be graced by Member of Mayoral Committee: Clr Bernet Mikani - City of Ekurhuleni, Mr. Caiphas Chauke - Head of Department (Economic Development) - City of Ekurhuleni, Dr. Ivor Zwane - Chairperson Of SEDA Board and Mrs. Nosipho Khonkwane - Executive Manager, Seda Technology Programme as well as other dignitaries from private and government departments.
SEDA and Ekurhuleni has a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) which commenced on the 29 January 2014 and will lapse in January 2017.
One of the strategic agreements in the MOU was to increase the network in Ekurhuleni and this milestone has been achieved hence we will be celebrating this partnership and its achievement. Mrs Nosipho Khokwane played a crucial role by initiating the partnership and formalized the relationship with the City of Ekurhuleni while still the Provincial Manager of Seda Gauteng.
The event precedes another milestone for the city of Ekurhuleni as it will host the 2015 Entrepreneurship Day in Ekurhuleni, for the first time.
Entrepreneurship Day, is a national event that was launched by SEDA in 2009 and is hosted by different a different province each year. It was launched after studying a successful business model from Belgium called Starters Day. The event will come a day after SEDA opened a regional office in Ekurhuleni.
SEDA implements tried and tested business models and tailor make them to suit local entrepreneurs, in this case they will focus on Ekurhuleni.
SEDA aims to leverage the event in by showcasing entrepreneurial successes in South Africa and hopes to encourage the younger generation to consider a career as entrepreneurs, says Sipho Zikode, Seda’s acting Chief executive Officer.
“While we see the need to encourage and nurture entrepreneurs, Seda must do more than offer words of motivation and encouragement. SEDA must be available to assist when needed, in communities where small business owners operate, says Sipho Zikode.
“Many businesses fail because of poor foundation and lack of knowledge. Our people are very good at starting businesses, but fail to maintain them, side wants to change this state of affairs,” added Zikode.
Zikode says Entrepreneurship Day will offer entrepreneurs an excellent opportunity to network with their peers, share experiences and hopefully learn from one another.
The event will take place in the Ekurhuleni Business Facilitation Network, all entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs are invited.
The event forms part of the Department of Small Businesses Development’s proactive strategy to champion entrepreneurship and take entrepreneurship to communities around the country.
SEDA will showcase success stories from business owners that have received support in one form or another from the agency, concluded Zikode.
For more information kindly contact Angelique on 011 482 1246/
Email: angelique@bstylemedia.co.za
