Masterclass discusses black business excellence
Effective and efficient administrative management is imperative in nation building. These were the views that were shared by the panellists at the Business Breakfast Masterclass held by the Free State Black Business Chamber together with the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) at President Hotel on the 31st January 2022.
Held under theme, “Growing the economy of the Free State Province in 2022 – A Collaborative Approach”, the panellists discussed issues that create hardships for black businesses in the province to thrive, the issues ranged from lack of support, mentorship programmes, funding, and scarcity of land & resources.
It is through these conversations about effective leadership, black excellence, ethical and efficient business practices that the Free State Province can realise an economic growth and contribute positively towards flying the province’s flag by positioning it as an attractive destination for investment.
This was also an opportunity for MEC Makalo Mohale to outline the Free State Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation Bill as well as the progress on the development of Economic Sector Master Plans for the Free State Province. There will be a series of engagements and interactions where the department as a whole, under the leadership of MEC Mohale will update the people of the Free State on key departmental activities.
In his opening remarks, the MEC said government is seeking to prioritize industrialization in order to create employment and grow the economy, he further emphasized the importance of organised business and the protection of local businesses from unfair trading practices.
Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor Bonang Mohale in his keynote address encouraged local business owners to diversify their clientele and not only focus on doing business with government. He also conversed on the importance of transformation and inclusiveness in business environment in order to build an inclusive economy.
The panel was made up of professional think tanks including amongst others: MEC for DESTEA, Makalo Mohale, and Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor Bonang Mohale, BMF (Black Management Forum) Chairman, Mosebetsi Dhladhla, Standard Bank- Behavioural Economist, Emile du Plessis and FEZI (Auditors and Consultants) CEO Nthabeleng Khawe.
Source: Government of South Africa