Global Business Roundtable held in Katlehong
Inspiring local business owners.
The Kathorus Chapter of Global Business Roundtable (GBR) met on Saturday, April 12, in Katlehong.
Elizabeth Thabethe, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, was a speaker at the event.
To open her keynote address to entrepreneurs from various townships in the metro, she said; “South Africans need to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship in children, as this will help them to be self-employed and contribute to the country’s economy.
“If we want to take the economy of our country forward, we need to pay special attention to entrepreneurship skills at all levels, particularly amongst our children, who are the future business people and leaders.”
Thabethe highlighted that the Department of Trade and Industry is providing support to small businesses, in the hope of broadening economic participation.
She explained that the department does not need membership for anyone to access the products and services it provides.
“The department is here for you and you should know and understand what it does and grab the opportunities that are available through it,” she added.
Thabethe, who portrayed South Africa as a better place to live than before, said that, regardless of the challenges the country still faces, opportunities are abundant for entrepreneurs.
“While government is providing these opportunities, it is also your responsibility as entrepreneurs to grow your businesses; you cannot emerge forever,” she emphasised.
Thabethe also encouraged business owners who have not formally registered their businesses with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to do so and comply with the law.
