Vaal SMME Market and Entrepreneurship Seminar - 22nd June 2022

The COVID-19 crisis has had an especially devastating impact on the livelihoods of the most vulnerable South Africans, especially young people and has also laid bare the frailties in the labour market; with certain jobs more secure than others.

Vaal SMME Market and Entrepreneurship Seminar was birthed to address the need to rebuild the Vaal economy and help combat unemployment as it continues to be the biggest challenge in our South Africans communities. This year's event was hosted by Sebokeng Youth Advisory Centre, an organization dedicated to youth empowerment.

The event provided a safe space where Entrepreneurs/Businesses in our communities could showcase their services (at no cost) and essentially provide them with tools and guidance to run successful businesses.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Godisang Development and other stakeholders participated in the seminar. - The seminar was an open channel for all present to share their experiences, challenges as well as skills learnt over the years. The seminar was not limited to just entrepreneurs and youth but to the community and aspiring business owners, to kick start their businesses from a knowledgeable view.

The most important lesson of the day was - It is very important that we remember that the future of our area is in the thriving economy that benefits many and that we must support our SMMEs in order to ensure that economic growth results in more job.