The Township Retail & Hospitality Traders Networking Event – A Resounding Success for Township Businesses
eKasi Traders Network & Khona La Local Stores hosted the highly successful Township Retail & Hospitality Traders Networking Event at Naledi Hall, Soweto, towards the end of last year, bringing together over 1,000 township business owners for a day of connection, collaboration, and growth. The event served as a vibrant hub where township entrepreneurs could engage directly with businesses offering products and services designed to help them scale their operations and achieve greater success.
The energy was palpable as attendees from various sectors within the township business community gathered to connect, share experiences, and explore new opportunities. The event provided a unique platform for traders to interact one-on-one with a diverse range of businesses, showcasing products and services tailored to the specific needs of township enterprises.
One of the key highlights of the event was our guest of honour, South African veteran journalist, broadcaster, public speaker and philanthropist – Tim Modise – who filmed a special segment for his show and engaged directly with South African township retail store owners and entrepreneurs on the challenges they face operating their township businesses.
The event also served as a platform for traders to network with their peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Attendees shared their challenges and successes, exchanged ideas, and built valuable connections that could lead to future partnerships and collaborations. The spirit of entrepreneurship was evident throughout the day, with attendees demonstrating a strong desire to learn, grow, and support each other.
In addition to the valuable networking and educational opportunities, the event was filled with excitement and anticipation as attendees had the chance to win a variety of prizes and giveaways. These prizes, generously donated by our event partners, ranged from essential business tools to valuable vouchers and discounts on products and services. The giveaways added an element of fun and excitement to the day, further enhancing the overall positive atmosphere.
The traders’ event was not only a success in terms of attendance and engagement but also in terms of its impact on the township business community. The event provided a much-needed platform for entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, learn about new resources, and gain valuable insights on how to scale their businesses. By bringing together traders and businesses offering relevant products and services, the event facilitated mutually beneficial relationships that have the potential to drive economic growth and development in the townships.
eKasi Traders Network and Khona La Local Stores extends its sincere gratitude to all the traders who took the time to attend and make the event such a resounding success. Their enthusiasm, participation, and commitment to supporting each other were instrumental in creating a vibrant and productive atmosphere. The network also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the businesses that participated, showcasing their products and services and generously donating prizes for the giveaways.
A special thank you goes to Spekko, the event’s official partner. Their support and collaboration were essential to the planning and execution of the event, and their commitment to empowering township businesses is deeply appreciated. Event partners iKhokha, Altron Fintech and W&R Seta’s involvement added significant value to the event, further solidifying their reputation as leading organisations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in South Africa.
eKasi Traders Network remains committed to empowering township businesses and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The success of this event serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of providing entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed. The network looks forward to hosting future events that will continue to connect, educate, and inspire township business owners.
