It was a proud day for the Small Enterprise Coaching Programme (SECP) graduates, when they were honoured at a closing awards ceremony, held at Style and Grace Conference Centre on February 21.
The 10-month coaching programme, which took place through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), sought to teach businessmen and women about what’s needed to maintain and sustain a successful business.
Entrepreneurs were taught about marketing, sales, customer service, financial management, digital marketing and its innovation, franchising principles and more skills.
Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane was present at the graduation ceremony and said the district municipality was proud to have such dedicated entrepreneurs:
“I am very honoured and impressed by what I see here today. It’s truly a privilege to be invited. I am glad there are such systems and programmes available for businesspeople, because as doctors back then, we were never taught of the business side of the medical field. We were only taught how to offer a service, but we were not prepared for business side of the job.”
Dr Ngubane further explained the importance of the coaching programme.
“I actually wish all doctors here in Newcastle can attend this programme. As a doctor, banks come to you in your last year, offering all kind of deals with cars and overdrafts. You get in debt before you even graduate. The trick is simple – don’t spend more than you have or you can afford.”
SECP Coach, Ntando Maseko bravely spoke about his experienced misfortunes in business.
“Most of you know my story by now, of how I lost my business and endured a traumatic three/four years, as I lost everything. You think it’s over when you lose your car, but then you lose your apartment and you think ‘I can’t sink in any deeper anymore’, and then I couldn’t finish my MBA studies because I couldn’t pay anymore.”
Maseko said at the time, it felt as if his world was ending.
“Through all those challenges, you hear that women will leave you and she did. I think I was at some point I was clinically depressed. It was one time when I was in Mpumalanga, and I got a mentor. His instruction was that I read the book The Richest Man in Babylon and since then, nothing has been the same.”
Maseko concluded by encouraging the entrepreneurs to never give up:
“SEDA comes in to add value to you and show you how you can stand on your own. Remember, your intelligence is not as important as your mindset and attitude. Your mindset guides your thinking, and that is much more powerful than any formal education. As a businessperson, stop complaining and making excuses. The only reason you fail is because of you; no one else. Stop focusing on problems and be positive.”
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