Absa-SACCI
National MSME Summit Soweto

Registration Opens

Opening

Sthandiwe Msomi (MC)

Welcome Address and Partnership Highlights

Adv Mtho Xulu, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)

Keynote Address

DSBD Representative

Sponsorship Remarks and Partnership Highlights (Absa)

Mr Vignesh Subramani, Head: Sales & Distributions SME Business Absa Group.

Presentation #1: Small Business Growth Index (SGBI)

Prof Carel van Aardt, Chief Operating Officer, Bureau of Market Research.

Presenter will present the research and perspectives on MSME development, market access, and economic empowerment relevant, and tailored to the audience.

Presentation #2: Infrastructure Deficiencies

ESKOM REPRESENTATIVE

Poor Infrastructure, such as unreliable electricity and inadequate transportation networks, hampers business operations and increases costs.

Presentation #3: Managing Culture and Values

Mr Alan Mukoki, CEO of SACCI

Managing culture and Values. Key success factor in growing your business.

Presentation #4: Why Some Companies Fail, and Others Succeed

Ms Vannie Pillay, CEO & MD of Oak Tree Foundation

Presenter will address strategies and innovative approaches to overcome barriers and, tapping into new opportunities and expanding the reach of their businesses.

Tea

Q&A Session #1

All

Presentation #5: The Importance of Business Registration and Formalization

Mr Ofentse Shakung (CIPC)

This session will focus on how formalizing businesses can lead to increased market access, credibility, and simplified registration and compliance processes for MSMEs.

Presentation #6: The Role of Tax Compliance in Growing and Sustainable Business

Mr Mandilakhe Nontenja, SARS Consultant

This involves adhering to laws and regulations governing business activities, ensuring legal and ethical operations to maintain trust and avoid penalties. Businesses establish programs to monitor, assess, and mitigate compliance risks, including internal controls, audits, and employee training.

Presentation #7: Women and Youth - Emerging Entrepreneurs

Mr Thys Tekela, Senior Enterprise Development Specialist for Gauteng and Limpopo, Absa

Presentation #8: Free Services for Taxpayers with Complaints Against SARS

Mr Obidient Chauke, Office of the Tax Ombudsman (OTO)

Presentation #9: Export Development and Support

Mr Kwanele Mkhwanazi, Director, Export Development and Support, dtic

Q&A Session #2

All

Lunch

Presentation #10: Challenging Times and Success Stories

Sibusiso Mlilo, Director, Iyathile Pty Ltd

This session will focus on the challenges and success stories of SMMEs. Sibusiso Mlilo will discuss how SMMEs can thrive through access to financial support, capacity-building programs, and networks. Collaborative efforts between government, corporates, and industry associations are crucial in empowering SMMEs.

SMME Business Pitch Competition

Recap and Closing Remarks

Ms Mpho Nhlabathi, Head: Strategy and Shared Value - Corporate Citizenship, Absa Group