About The Event
This event focuses on showcasing the economic impact of township enterprises in regional development. With workshops and networking sessions, local entrepreneurs will gain exposure to corporate stakeholders and government initiatives. The tour will offer hands on insight into thriving township businesses. Event Objectives: Strengthen connections between SMMEs, academia and larger institutions. Highlight the development potential within township economies. Encourage investments into regional economies.
Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain actionable insights and propel your business towards greater success.
Please RSVP by 04 June 2026 to secure your spot at this exclusive event. We look forward to welcoming you to the Absa SACCI Township Economies in the MSME Landscape.
Event Speakers
Absa–SACCI Entrepreneur Empowerment Summit
East London International Convention Centre, KuGompo – 4 June 2026
Delegate arrival and registration
Delegate registration; pre-event networking and exhibition visits.
MC – Hlumela Qabo
Opening Remarks
Lee-Ann Vasi
Border Kei Chamber of Business – Operations Manager
Welcome and setting the scene
Lindo Mbanjwa
Head: Business Development: SME Segment
Partnership Highlights: Overview of summit objectives
Sponsor Remarks
Neil Pollock – SACCI 2nd VP
Partnership Highlights -Partnership Overview
Partner Remarks
Hon Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Government support for township & rural economies
Message of support
Thulisile Manzini
Director-General
Department of Small Business Development
Keynote Address
DSBD programmes
Patrick L Makape
SEDFA Board Chairperson
Overview of SEDFA Programmes
Q&A
Mid-Morning Refreshments
Shana Potgieter – Absa
Thembi Makupula – Absa
Karen Marran – Absa
Absa Presentations
Absa ESD Programs
Banking Solutions
Transactional Payments
Breakout Rooms: Expert-led Discussions
Three concurrent expert-led breakout rooms:
Room A: Absa ESD Programs
Room B: Banking Solutions
Room C: Transactional Payments
Absa representatives
Rapporteur Session
Dikeledi Moti
Executive Fraud Strategy
Absa
Digital Safety and Payment Fraud Awareness
Khaya Njingolo
Executive Manager of the Aftermarket Support Programme
Automotive Industry Development Centre
Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) - Presentation
Lunch
Zoliswa Mnqokoyi
Entrepreneurship And Business Support Consultant
Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Programmes
Qamani Mjali
SARS
Tax Compliance
Russel Mamabolo
Specialist in Communications and Outreach
Tax Ombudsman
Tax Ombuds – Insights into taxpayers’ rights and the free services provided by the Office of the Tax Ombud.
Nate Padayachee
Nates Car Sales Pty Ltd
SMME Success Story
Malesela Lekota / Shana Potgieter
Absa
Pitch Competition
Shedrik Rooi
Absa Regional Executive: SME Sector
Closing Remarks (Recap of the day)
Event Venue
Event venue location info and gallery
SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SACCI)
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Contact Us
Get in touch