Kugompo city: Emerging entrepreneurs in local communities can give their businesses a competitive edge by joining forces, pooling their resources, and harnessing their collective purchasing power.

According to South African Government News Agency, Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi emphasized this strategy during an empowerment workshop hosted by the Methodist Church's Young Women's Manyano in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, over the weekend. The event, also attended by Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku, aimed to equip young women with information on government support programs that can help strengthen and grow local businesses.

The workshop featured a mini exhibition where women showcased their entrepreneurial skills through products like beadwork, pottery, and textiles. Using their talents as a springboard, Godlimpi encouraged the participants to collaborate in buying and selling in bulk, which would enable them to access better opportunities and accelerate their business growth. He highlighted that township businesses need to work together to procure from wholesalers if they wish to remain competitive.

Godlimpi's call comes on the heels of a recent report by the Competition Commission of South Africa on the Township and Rural Economy, which found that local businesses face challenges in sourcing, selling, and regulatory compliance. These constraints prevent many enterprises from scaling up, formalizing, and integrating into broader value chains.

Further emphasizing the importance of modern business strategies, Godlimpi encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace technology and establish an online presence. He urged them to leverage digital platforms for marketing their products and to think beyond South Africa's borders by exploring opportunities to take their businesses into international markets.