The Township Enterprise Alliance (TEA) recently hosted a Kasi Workshop in KwaMashu, Durban. The event was designed to empower township and small-business owners with practical knowledge, financial skills, and networking opportunities to help them build and sustain successful enterprises.
The workshop provided local entrepreneurs with a platform to meet, engage, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships with fellow business owners, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. Beyond technical know-how, the event highlighted that the next big opportunity often relies on who you connect with, what you can create together, and the networks you foster along the way.
During the panel discussion on youth and women empowerment, Zanele Khomo, Chief Growth Officer at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, shared valuable insights on the role of business education in building sustainable enterprises.
She highlighted the importance of understanding business registration and compliance, detailing the resources available to entrepreneurs while encouraging business owners to continuously invest in their own education.
Nonkanyiso Msomi, Founder and Managing Director of Nonkanyiso Funeral Services, shared practical advice on financial literacy. She stressed the importance of tracking income consistently, understanding where money comes from and where it goes, and using financial figures to assess the overall health of a business.
Prominent radio presenter Linda Sibiya spoke on the power of vision, explaining why having a clear trajectory is essential for personal and professional growth. For Sibiya, vision is more than just a dream—it is about knowing what you are working towards, letting that vision guide your decisions, and staying committed even through tough times.
The energy remained high as local entrepreneurs showcased their products and services at the workshop’s business exhibition. From innovative goods to homegrown services, the showcase served as a powerful reminder of the creativity, resilience, and commercial potential thriving within the township.
Nedbank sponsored the workshop, with Financial Wellness Facilitator Shannon Pillay emphasising the need for entrepreneurs to separate personal and business finances. Pillay provided practical tips on budgeting, maintaining financial discipline, and planning for long-term business health.
Overall, the event offered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) actionable lessons in expense optimization, cash-flow management, and informed decision-making through a combination of impactful masterclasses and the local business exhibition.
