Khayelitsha entrepreneurs treated to a day of networking

Lonwabo Marele|Published 8 months ago

A panel discussion on entrepreneurial finance, featuring representatives from Kasi Catalyst, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), ignited thought-provoking debates that challenged traditional perspectives and offered new solutions. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Entrepreneurs Ashia Nkontsa and Dumisani Wambi, from Khayelitsha, were a part of a networking session at the Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn organised by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs: Southern Africa, in partnership with business accelerator, UVU Africa, a fortnight ago.

Innovators and business leaders networked around opportunities in the area, and engaged in pitches from a range of organisations, including UVU Accelerate, Fetola, the National Mentorship Movement, the National Business Initiative, Falsebay College, and Khayelitsha Youth In Business (KYIB).

Mr Wambi pitched on how his business introduced a life-skills and social impact project, Khayelitsha Basketball, which works with schools in the area.

Ms Nkontsa said she particularly enjoyed when the business support incubators pitched on how they can work with businesses.

After lunch, they shared a panel discussion on entrepreneurial finance, featuring representatives from The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and Kasi Catalyst, which ingnited a thought-provoking debate that challenged traditional perspectives, while offering new solutions.

Keynote speeches on collaboration and funding were contributed by representatives from The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini, as well as The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn’s manager, Lungiswa Khethelo. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Founder of Kasi Catalyst, Vusi Vokwana on a panel discussion around challenging traditional perspectives on entrepreneurship in Khayelitsha. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker delivered a keynote speech to conclude the afternoon with entrepreneurs and business accelerators. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

The gathering featured dynamic B2B networking opportunities and impactful pitches from a range of organisations, including UVU Accelerate, Fetola, the National Mentorship Movement, the National Business Initiative, Falsebay College, and Khayelitsha Youth In Business (KYIB).

Africa Jam treated the delegates to a poetic entrepreneurial story featuring African dancing. Picture: Lwazi Ngxukumeshe.