IIE Rosebank College PTA Hosts Entrepreneurship & Innovation Workshop

By: Prince Neo Mokwena

Image Source: Prince Neo Mokwena/ Event attendees arriving and signing up to enter the venue.

On Tuesday 31 August 2023, the IIE Rosebank College Pretoria CBD hosted an entrepreneurship and innovation workshop at LR6-12. The event was organized by the campus Career Centre, and they invited over business leaders, to share knowledge with the students.

The event panned out a success as guest speakers from the NYDA, Department of Labour, Capitec, Mabule International, SARS, SEDA, Sanlam, CIPC, Reputation 1st, Bukhobuhle Architects Pty Ltd, LALE Communications, and The Artistic, all went on stage to give their 15 minutes address.

Few of the topics that were discussed were:

· Skills required to become a successful entrepreneur (addressed by: Mabule International).

· Ways of getting funding for your business (addressed by: NYDA).

· Handling tax responsibilities (addressed by: SARS).

· The Importance of getting financial advice for your personal finances and business finances (addressed by: SANLAM).

· Business registration and intellectual property (addressed by: CIPC).

· How to approach investors and applying for funding (addressed: SEDA).

· Entrepreneurship opportunities within the communications industry and strategic marketing (addressed by: Reputation 1st).

Image Source: Chantel Khosa/ Mighty Mabule giving his 15 minute address on social aspects of being an entrepreneur.

The first guest speaker was Mighty Mabule, he instantly captured the audience with his energetic and enthusiastic aura. In his 15-minute address, he covered the social aspect of being an entrepreneur. This included how to master your daily habits, how to overcome fear of failure etc.

“Don’t be afraid to start, there’s power sleeping within you. What is stopping you from starting that business is fear, and disempowering beliefs.”, said Mabule.

The topic of how to attain funding for your business was addressed by Patrick Sibeko, whom is the outreach officer from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). According to Patrick, the funds provided by the NYDA are not a loan therefore, the recipients are not obliged to repay the NYDA. The minimum amount of funds the NYDA is willing to compensate range from R1000-R350 000, and they will also provide business mentorship.

“The NYDA not only caters for entrepreneurs, but also those who seek employment. What they can do is submit their CVs to the NYDA. The NYDA will assist them to find job opportunities.”, said Patrick.

Shanee Kelly and Thulani Gule from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) gave their 15-minute address. They addressed the importance of registering your business and how to register.

Makhurumetja Kgotse from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) also went on stage to explain the importance of complying with the tax regulations of South Africa. “You need to register with SARS to get your tax number even if you have a small business. This will help you get an incentive, there are incentives offered to small businesses.”, said Kgotse.

Rosebank College graduate, Blessing Mbuli went on stage to talk about how to balance your 9-5 job along with your business. He is a lecturer and founder of Bukhobuhle Architects Pty Ltd. He encouraged the audience to have both a business whilst they are working. He also mentioned something often overlooked by entrepreneurs, which is spending time with loved ones.

“Don’t forget to make time for your loved ones, because the are the ones who will support you when your business falls apart.”, said Mbuli.

Image Source: Chantel Khosa/ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop attendees.

After all guest speakers were done, one of the event organisers Pumla Mmakola from the career centre, gave closing remarks.

“I do believe this event was a success. Every topic we gave to the speakers they addressed it thoroughly and I believe that the students and graduates learnt a lot from this event.”, says Career Centre Officer Pumla Mmakola.

“Attending this event was a fruitful exercise because I really learnt a lot about the world of business. I did not even know I can register my small business with the CIPC and SARS.”, says Owami Mogwebi, one of the students that attended this event.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop event hosted by the career centre is part of IIE Rosebank College’s Graduate Empowerment Programme. According to Pumla Makola in an interview, the programme is yet to host other events similar to this one.