Image: deputy minister speaking to residents of Mitchells Plain on SBD
On Monday 26 April, Hon. Ganief Hendricks member of Parliament and a member of the portfolio committee for small business development hosted the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, the Hon. Rosemary Nokuzola Capa and her delegation at an Imbizo for small business development. The Deputy Minister opened the hub at Al Jama-ah’s parliamentary office in Mitchells Plain.
It was a landmark event that brought together the Deputy minister and the small business community in one room, where they could share the challenges they face from financial issues to retail space. The Hon. Deputy Minister and the Hon. MP Ganief Hendricks embarked on a successful campaign of engaging small businesses on how to access funds and training in order to enhance and build their business.
After a four hour presentation and Q&A session, the delegation proceeded to Kraaifontein to visit an incubator for business development. These incubators were set up to support small businesses with training, and to assist the business until it is fully developed. The idea was born more out of a need than a concept since many small businesses failed after receiving grants or loans from the state.
In what turned out to be the showstopper of the day, the delegation visited a home baking business in Belgravia, known as ‘Sweet Miracles’. The business is female-owned by Basheerah Fakier. Her place was chosen with the intention of showcasing a 100% female-owned business to the delegation, but Basheerah had such a good heart that she included another 100% female-owned business in the exhibition. The Deputy Minister was impressed with this type of collaboration and mentioned that this is the beginning of a successful business. A female who teaches other female self-sustainable skills also reduces the chances of abuse. Too many times a female remains in an abusive relationship because she is financially dependent upon the abuser. Once she empowers herself and becomes financially independent, there is no reason for her to remain in a toxic and potentially dangerous relationship.
The long day came to a very spiritual conclusion when the delegation was invited to “I DESERVE IT”, a skills development and training centre in Rosmead Avenue, to partake in a breaking of fast meal with members of Al Jama-ah. The centre, which is run by Amina Pastor, hosted this traditional ‘Boeka’ or the breaking of fast at sunset during the month of Ramadaan. The feast was prepared by the amazing ladies of Al Jama-ah NEC in honour of the Deputy Minister and her delegation.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Hon. Ganief Hendricks and a few gifts were exchanged, but most importantly, the groundwork for a better future for small businesses in Cape Town was laid.
For further information contact Aljama-ah’s Spokesperson Shameemah Salie on 084 423 0476