USB strengthens SMMEs with sponsored business programme

24 Nov 2015

The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is strengthening small businesses in townships with a sponsored Small Business Academy (SBA) programme. Recently, 20 small business owners in townships of the Greater Cape Town area received their certificates for the successful completion of the course. The top students were acknowledged at the ceremony.

Top students, Aashiqa Essop and Phumlani Dlongwana

Top Student - Aashiqa Essop, a mother of three, achieved the highest mark. She is the owner of the automotive electronic workshop, Magic Worx, which she runs together with her husband from their home in Brackenfell. Working in a very male-dominated industry has certainly not deterred Aashiqa, in fact, it has made her work even harder.

Business with the most potential - Philippi small business owner Phumlani Dlongwana is making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions of landfill sites in the City of Cape Town. In addition, by doing so he is creating a sustainable livelihood for some members of poorer communities with his Waste to Food business. Applying advanced technology and earthworm hammocks, his business converts food waste and clipped garden waste into compost.

The SBA programme offers workshops and lectures in financial and business management, in labour legislation and HR issues, marketing, customer service and the use of social media. Each participant is mentored by an alumnus of USB - an approach that has proved to be one of the most valuable benefits of the programme.

Entries are now open to townships in the greater Cape Town area for the 2016 intake. Applications must be submitted by 29 January 2016. For full information, go to www.usb.ac.za/sba or contact Benji Matshoba on + 27 (0) 21 918 4379 or sba@usb.ac.za.