Western Cape Business 2017 edition

WECBOF: Where
entrepreneurs excel
Arifa Parkar is the CEO of the Western Cape Business
Opportunities Forum (WECBOF).
INTERVIEW
Arifa Parkar, CEO
BIOGRAPHY
Arifa Parkar completed her formal
education at the University
of Bombay and Mumbai, earning
a BA in Economics and Politics
before moving on to complete
her LLB in 1985. The same year
she acquired her qualifications in
Business Management. In 1999
she joined the Department of Economic
Affairs and Tourism before
becoming Marketing Manager
at the Cape Chamber in 2001.
She is an active member and
executive on the Committee of
the South African Institute of International
Affairs (Western Province
Branch) and was elected the 1st
President of Mafubo South Africa,
an international NGO.
In addition to her role as CEO
of WECBOF, Arifa also owns and
runs Aasha Investment Solutions
(Pty) Ltd.
You were born in Zanzibar, grew up in the Seychelles,
Mauritius and India… so when did Cape Town
become home?
I came to the shores of South Africa in 1991 and very soon after I
realised that this could very well be my final choice of a place to call
home. It just suited me in every aspect – the different cultures, the
“joie de vivre”, the diversity, and of course the cosmopolitan appeal of
Cape Town just spread its web around my heart.
Does your vast international experience enhance
WECBOF’s work?
Absolutely – I strongly believe that networking is the key to any business’s
success. Over the years my personal network has grown quite
significantly, and this will be the key to opening local, national and
international opportunities for WECBOF and our members.
How has WECBOF changed its focus in recent years?
WECBOF started out as a voice for coloured businesspeople, but today
it represents all South Africans with a common passion for entrepreneurship
in the Western Cape. This is our greatest achievement.
How does WECBOF encourage more opportunities for SMMEs?
To succeed in today’s collaborative, client-driven, networked economy,
companies must take advantage of the strength of their business
relationships to succeed. A new economy is emerging, one built on a
complex network of information, interaction and change. This evolving
business landscape, shaken by technological innovation, globalisation
and downsizing, has led us back to embracing the most fundamental
aspect of business: relationships. That is why WECBOF is in constant dialogue
with stakeholders so that we create an enabling environment for
our members, as well as those with whom we interact and do business.
Which of your accolades means the most to you?
I have two personal favourites that stand out from the rest, one from
CEO Magazine as the “Most Influential Woman in Business” Award,
and the second was awarded to me by Business Partners for my
“Contribution to SMMEs in the Western Cape”. These two are very
dear to my heart.
27 WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2017