It is a business network for black-owned businesses and a search engine for individuals looking to support these businesses.
According to founder of this initiative, Thokozani Dlala, the association strongly believes that through support for one another, they can take it upon themselves to build black wealth and develop black communities in the process, which will in turn provide a better life and environment for the African majority.
“Twenty-one years into democracy, the black population is still very much the biggest consumers of foreign made products and are the majority supporters of business services that are foreign led and owned.
“SBOBA believes that through black on black support and black unity, we stand a chance to increase the total 3% of black ownership in the economy of the country.
“Black entrepreneurship is also the one area that has the potential to make the greatest contribution to alleviate the socio-economic imbalances and developmental challenges that exist in the country,” says Dlala.
He adds that this association is a medium to foster a culture and environment in which black entrepreneurship can thrive and where innovation is celebrated and supported for a sound investment in a prosperous future for our country.
“We want our people to change their mindset and to speak to the conscience of black consumers to constantly support black-owned businesses.
“Through all this, we will work at reminding black-owned businesses to constantly support black-owned service providers while encouraging black-owned businesses to strive in delivering competitive products and services.
“We further assist in sourcing business funding and opportunities for black-owned concepts, products, services and initiating community projects aimed at job creation and skills development for the growth of our people,” says coordinator of SBOBA, Parris Shakwana.
The duo add that their mission is to see more Africans being supportive of partnership with each other.
And by creating a momentum that will be sustained by black business owners, they hope to teach the next generation of owners that support should not only be desired, but expected and given in their communities.
