WATCH | Episode 40 of SME show with Rams Mabote

• Published date: 01 December 2023
• Publication title: Business Day: Web Edition Articles (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Tune in to the show on Business Day TV each week, Channel 412 on DStv, at 8.30pm on Tuesdays

Whether your business is facing an obstacle or is caught in a highly competitive cycle, Mabote talks to the captains of the SME sector and other experts and professionals who have the knowledge and insights to help SMEs grow and reach their full potential.

These are the many entrepreneurs who make it against the odds — those who do not quit at the first sign of trouble.

* We apologise for the unavailable videos and are working hard to restore access to these on our new channel.

EPISODE 40 Part 1

According to the Xero Small Business Report released in 2023, the industry generated 30% of total employment, and 32% of all wage jobs. While the SME sector presents growth opportunities, it still faces several challenges that prevent it from fully embracing the global market.

Host Rams Mabote and the chief technology officer of VertoFX, Anthony Oduwole, explore crossborder payments and how they help stimulate international trade for SMEs.

Watch Episode 40 Part 2 below

EPISODE 39 Part 1

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement earlier in November, placing priority on municipal debt relief, energy transition projects, supporting infrastructure investment and more.

Yet, the small business sector enjoyed little or no mention in this minibudget. Host Rams Mabote invites awardwinning entrepreneur and the founder of Virtue Business Solutions, Wendy Silinyana, and the managing executive for finance at Telkom Business, Hasnain Motlekar, to discuss the future of SA's SME sector and what is required for success and longevity.

Watch Episode 39 Part 2 below

EPISODE 38 Part 1

After spending years in SA's interior design and decor industry, entrepreneur and founder of Timeless Decor Services, Lebohang Maduma, shares his journey in starting his own business venture in a highly competitive market.

Watch Episode 38 Part 2 below

EPISODE 37 Part 1

Developed economies have made a smooth transition to the fourth industrial revolution and are already engaging in talks about the fifth. That said, SA is reportedly lagging behind and will need to redouble its efforts in the development and deployment of digital infrastructure.

Mabote invites Telkom Business industry experts Kulani Chauke, who is solutions architect and technical product manager, and product development head Arnold Naicker, to explore the strides that have been made in supporting SMEs on their digital journeys by turning to softwareasaservice solutions.

Together they discuss the latest technology to assist SMEs with business flexibility and scalability.

Watch Episode 37 Part 2 below

EPISODE 36 Part 1

Host Rams Mabote is joined by the founder and MD of LeloMaq Events & Decor, Nombulelo Maqetuka Morapedi, to talk about the challenges of running a family business.

She shares her journey of taking risks as a small business owner and explains how she diversified her service offering to access markets. She and Mabote also discuss the opportunities to be found in the events and communications industry.

Watch Episode 36 Part 2 below

EPISODE 35 Part 1

Mabote is joined by entrepreneur Celeste Summerton, CEO of The Business Boutique, to discuss her journey in kickstarting a bespoke accounting, tax and business consulting firm for small to medium enterprises. It is a rollercoaster ride operating in such a highly competitive industry, and she shares how technology shapes her service offering to other businesses.

Watch EPISODE 35 Part 2 below

EPISODE 34 Part 1

After spending much of his time unemployed, Walk Fresh founder Lethabo Mokoena enlisted a team of friends to start a sneakercleaning company in the dusty streets of Daveyton. Eight years later Mokoena has expanded the company footprint into upmarket areas such as Sandton City.

Host Rams Mabote speaks to Mokoena about how the business model has evolved and how he expanded his reach into surburban areas. They also discuss how entrepreneurship has shaped Mokoena's perspective on business.

Watch EPISODE 34 Part 2 below

EPISODE 33 Part 1

Running an independent bookstore in the current socioeconomic climate may be considered risky but the director of Book Circle Capital, Sewela Langeni, shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she overcame obstacles to ensure the longevity of the business.

Mabote also learns how Langeni digitally transformed her business and what strategies she used to attract...