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Winnie Madikizela Local Municipality in partnership with the Mbizana Business Chamber hosted a two-day conference at the Wild Coast Sun, Msikaba Conference Hall on the 28th and 29th of June, the significance of the conference was to allow established businesses and SMMES of Winnie Madikeza-Mandela Local Municipality to be exposed to opportunities that would benefit their businesses and potentially create employment opportunities for people within the proximity of their business establishments. The idea is to change the economic landscape of the Mbizana and allow money to circulate within Mbizana.
Gathered in the conference were various business chambers and forums from other local municipalities, that fall under the Alfred Nzo district and exhibitors were allowed to showcase their business presentations and have a networking session with other SMMES.
Business Chamber and the municipality
The president of Mbizana Business Chamber, Mr. Ayanda Notshweleka said that, changing the business landscape requires a change of mindset from business people and the problem is that businesses die with their owners. Business people need a succession plan even though the environment itself is not enabling. He added that business people need to defeat the enemy of black excellency and have progressive jealousy.
The Alfred Nzo District Municipality executive mayor Cllr V. Mhlelembana expressed the importance of the conference and applauded the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality and the Mbizana Business Chamber for organising  such a great initiative. He said the conference gives business people a chance to think of how their services can fit in the spectrum of spanning gaps while making profit. The executive mayor outlined a number of things that he felt were accomplished by the conference one being that, it showed a great amount of inclusivity as the exhibitors are from all walks of life.
The idea of doing away with the tender system is an unpractical one because it would mean government has to outsource its services which means local businesses no longer benefit from economic activities taking place within their scenery. – Cllr V. Mhlelembana
Exhibitors expositions
Mvuyo Edward Mabhoza of Bantabenunu Trading and Projects said they are quite grateful for being able to exhibit their business because it gives them exposure and publicity and they wish to train young people for bee keeping as this will allow economic growth in the Eastern Cape.
Ntombi Mqhutywa from Zitha Accountants and Associates says she is hoping that the conference will create a window of growth for her business and she hopes that other local business start recognizing her business and give her business support
Some exhibitors that were at the conference are:
- Zant Creations
- Thandeka Company Pty, Ltd
- Nosie and Sons Creations
- Poshy.A Printing and Branding
- Vukuzenzele Crafters
- IMN Security and Training
- Halfway Group
- Pondoland Times
In assisting businesses gain competitive advantage and create sustainability for their companies Productivity SA presented a number of was they help business he outlined things like:
- Training programmes’ and solutions
- Business performance improvement
- Early warning systems and productivity champion training
