June 29, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
ABOUT 400 informal traders plying their business in Johannesburg turned up for an exhibition on entrepreneurship, business models and business development at Wits University on Sunday, 25 June.
The exhibition, hosted by the City's Economic Development Unit and the Wits Enterprise Unit, was "to enable informal traders to have immediate and real access to information from companies or businesses that they can learn and benefit from', according the mayoral committee member for finance and economic development, Parks Tau.
The mayoral committee member for finance and economic development, Parks Tau
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
"We want traders to leave the exhibition knowing what is required to open a business account, information on potential markets for inexpensive products, drawing up of business plans as well as health and safety matters," Tau said in a press release.
Several City units and private companies took part in the initiative. Among the stallholders were the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market and the Metro Trading Company, a City company responsible for the establishment and maintenance of facilities for informal traders and taxis.
Other exhibitors included banks, business information organisations and potential funders.
Traders were also informed about services offered to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs at The Business Place in Joburg's CBD. The Business Place, set up in 2001 by a public-private partnership, offers courses on basic life skills, starting a business, financial management and running and growing a business.
"This exhibition is good for us to get business information because I am trying to save money to rent a shop rather than being on the street," said a trader known as Enselem.
Representatives from ABSA, Standard Bank and the Post Office helped traders complete application forms for business accounts and explained about the different banking products available, while the Umsobomvu Youth Fund attracted traders interested in accessing loans.
Chairperson of the Wholesale and Retail Seta, Richard Mogatse, said the organisation was excited to be involved, and urged traders to get information to guide and help develop their businesses.
Traders were told how to acquire stalls in the city, while the Metro Trading Company discussed the various markets run by the City. Other traders discussed the best way of displaying their wares with a representative from the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market.
Ningi Nkabinde from Joubert Park has a stall at the City's Metro Mall. "I'm very happy at Metro Mall – they even helped me get advertising boards so people know exactly where I am. Now I am getting even more information here to run my stall better."
Most of the traders had enrolled for a 14-week skills development business course called "Grow Your Own Business" facilitated by the City at a cost of R1.4-million, and run by Wits Enterprise Unit.
"I want to grow as much as I can selling clothes and maybe open a shop like Edgars one day," said trader Ester Mametja from Phiri, Soweto.
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