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 16 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
Event Schedule
Programme for the Absa-SACCI Entrepreneur Empowerment Summit
Golden Horse Casino & Hotel, 45 New England Rd, Pietermaritzburg
Delegate Arrival and Registration
Delegate registration; pre-event networking and exhibition visits.
Sthandiwe Msomi
MC
Opening Remarks
Paul Ngema
NAFCOC – KZN Chairperson
Welcome and Setting the Scene
Lindo Mbanjwa
Absa
Sponsor Remarks
Partnership Highlights: Overview of Summit Objectives
Thami Nqayi
SACCI
Partner Remarks
Partnership Highlights: Partnership Overview
His Worship, Mzimkhulu Thebolla
Hon Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality
Message of Support
Government Support for Township & Rural Economies
Pulane Masebe
Director: Entrepreneurship Development
Department of Small Business Development (DSBD)
Keynote Address
Overview of Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Programmes
Q&A Session
Absa Presentations
• Absa ESD Programs
• Banking Solutions
• Transactional Payments
Letlhogonolo Mputle – Absa
Sicelo Dlamini – Absa
Ashley Pillay – Absa
Mid-Morning Refreshments
Breakout Rooms: Expert-led Discussions
Four concurrent expert-led breakout rooms:
• Room A: ESD Programs
• Room B: Banking Solutions
• Room C: Transactional Payments
Absa Representatives
Rapporteur Session
Nomonde Shezi
Human Insights Africa
Francois Bietrix
Export Development Manager
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN)
Trade and Export Opportunities for SMMEs
Lunch
Nelly Desele
SARS Representative
SARS – Tax Compliance
Eskom Representative
Eskom
Sue Singh
Acting Manager: Capacity and Skills Development
Moses Kotane Research Institute
Capacity and Skills Development
Mr Mavuso
Ndingis Enterprise
SMME Success Story
Malesela Lekota
Absa
Pitch Competition
Norman Venketiah
Absa
Closing Remarks (Recap of the Day)
Presentations
Access summit presentations and supporting documents
Click the button below to view and download the presentation material from our Google Drive folder.
View Summit PresentationsGallery
Highlights from the Absa-SACCI Entrepreneur Empowerment Summit held at Golden Horse Hotel, Pietermaritzburg.
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