18/12/2024
Article that conclude SV ed.41 page 6 'LCCI hosts entrepreneur symposium and gala dinner' by Mpho Mahlakanya
Thursday the 28th of November 2024, Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) presented an engaging successful Limpopo Entrepreneurship Symposium and Gala Dinner at Mercurius Polokwane, affording a platform for the launch of 2025 Biannual Grannies International Soccer Team, and an exhibition of businesses to promote their products and services.
LCCI’s directed theme “How to collaborate to attract and retain investment and skills in the local and Rural Municipalities, and how sports and heritage economy can be integrated for sustainable local economic development,” reads as the long-awaited strategic approach for the province.
This was concurred with invited and well-versed programme speakers affirming that Limpopo must regain its tourism prowess, invest in infrastructure, empower agriculture by supporting emerging farmers with resources and skills training, allow an opportunity for small business to surface with consumable products, professional services in demand to be part of the developing economy and create sustainable jobs. SekgoseseVoice journalist Mathibedi Mothapo with colleague, covering the entrepreneurship symposium from during the day, reported, “It was an informative business symposium…addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the need for government to equip young people with skills, that can also work on the mining sector in the province.”
The symposium keynote speaker, Prof John Maluleke and CEO of Infra Africa, voiced a thorough presentation on the “Role of Public Private Partnerships” (PPP). Prof Maluleke emphasized the importance to have a strong PPP in the province.
LCCI Gala Dinner and activities commenced from 18:30 until 21:30 with Capricorn FM’s Breakfast show co-host Mpho Mash*ta as the programme director. The Limpopo Musical adorned the gala dinner with entertainment. SekgoseseVoice interviewed Mme Kgalagadi, a womanpreneur and founder of Gape-Gape showcasing at the gala dinner her products inclusive of a dishwashing liquid, hand lotion among others, and was happy to speak about her business, “Currently I produce and sell my products from home. I don’t have a shop as yet.”
Gala dinner’s keynote speaker Mr Mthobiso Bruce Nhleko, also CEO of PRAVI Plastics SA, shared insights on his first impression about the province Limpopo backdating 2007. His entrepreneurial journey and experience allowed Mr. Nhleko to identify what could be greener opportunities, “I agreed to come to speak as a keynote speaker because technically as one of the things we ideally want to do as our next phase is to take an opportunity and advantage of the Musina industrial development zone because we have imported products that we want to take to the rest of SADAC.”
In absentia, SAC MEC Mr. Jerry Maseko was represented alongside President of South African Football Association (SAFA) Limpopo Mr. Jack Maluleka, and Ms Beka Ntsanwisi to officially launch the biannual grannies tournament and market day. There is a lot of exciting and learning activities that took place presented by LCCI Entrepreneur Symposium and Gala Dinner programme that no person would wish to miss the next event.
Image: SV Gallery