The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province.
Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW internationally but they will also be able to interact and link with the best Business Advisors in the world, who are certified users of the tool. One of the most important aspects of the Growth Wheel is the 360-degree screening, as this helps our Advisors to quickly create an overview of all the challenges that might be relevant to the entrepreneur in question. The Advisor and the entrepreneur will be able to draw up a visual profile of how the business is doing, and this will assist them in identifying future growth opportunities and obstacles. The framework will be able to assist the parties to ascertain where they are in terms of their business development and provide a roadmap for where they could be going. The Advisor and the entrepreneur will be able to create a common language and offer ideas for new directions. This process will inspire entrepreneurs to set their agenda in terms of which decisions to make. The worksheets will help them to make decisions faster because they contain graphic checklists to quickly understand alternative options so they can get ideas for new ones. The 30 – 60 – 90 day plan is the tool that is ideal for entrepreneurs to keep track of their decisions and actions. It will also help the BA to keep track of actions that the entrepreneur had to undertake. The entrepreneur will then be able to focus on getting things done and who should do it. Can you share some examples of successful SMMEs that Seda Limpopo has helped over the past few years? The greatest impact we have had has been in terms of increased turnover and net profit. We don’t aim to make an impression in terms of employment opportunities, as most businesses always target minimum labour in order to reduce production costs and increase efficiency. Companies we have had particular success with include PCS (Polokwane Chemical Supplies), Goodlife, Rosika Trading, Tshedza Concrete Art, Sasekisani Co-operative, Mofamadi Bed and Breakfast, TKY Trading, Mogalaletsi Trading, Twins Trailers, Limpopo Ceramics, Pavecon, Bellstein Trading and Are Hudisaneng Agricultural Primary Co-operative. What message would you like to send to more established businesses and investors in terms of how they can help to support SMMEs and what the long-term benefits of offering such support are for the regional and national economy? It is very important to assist SMMEs where possible by providing access to markets. I would also recommend that it can be wise to invest in SMMEs as innovation usually forms the basis of their business. It is also a good idea to partner with Seda for development of our current BEE suppliers. Seda, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), has embarked on the Gazelles Programme, which seeks to change the landscape in the SMME sector of South Africa. Gazelles are found in all sectors of the economy and a common characteristic is that they are usually fast-growing entities. This growth occurs at a specific phase in a businesses development, after which they revert to the industry norm in terms of their continued growth, although this does not preclude the possibility of future fast growth. While these fast-growing companies are known as Gazelles, researchers also identified the “elephants” which are the big and ponderous companies that do not necessarily employ much (if any) staff. Lastly, researchers also speak of “mice”, which are the small and micro companies that will either not grow or whose owner-managers are not necessarily growth driven. For the purpose of this programme, South African “Gazelles” will be formal entities that grow exponentially and have an annual turnover of at least R1-million and are subject to definitions in terms of the Small Business Act of 1995 as amended. CONTACT INFO Physical address: Suite Number 6, 2nd Floor, Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0699 Tel: +27 15 287 2940 Fax: +27 15 297 4022 Website: www.seda.org.za LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016 88
Global Africa Network Promoting business, trade and investment in SA’s nine provinces www.gan.co.za www.southafricanbusiness.co.za www.easterncapebusiness.co.za www.freestatebusiness.co.za www.gautengcompanies.co.za www.kwazulunatalbusiness.co.za www.limpopobusiness.co.za www.mpumalangabusiness.co.za www.northerncapebusiness.co.za www.northwestbusiness.co.za www.westerncapebusiness.co.za Tel 021 657 6200 Email sales@gan.co.za Web www.gan.co.za
