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Cape Town - Thembi Tsotetsi, owner of Kaltsha Glass, a small business in Khayelitsha, is the top student of the Small Business Academy (SBA) of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB).
Tsotetsi is one of 14 owners of small businesses in Khayelitsha to complete a new programme at USB, which is aimed at advancing the sustainability of small businesses operating in townships.
The group is the first to complete the Small Business Academy Development Programme, a new initiative of the business school creating opportunities for small businesses in townships and by fuelling their growth, ensure job creation and sustainability.
Tsotetsi, who runs a 24-hour mobile auto and building glass installation service jointly with her husband, scored the highest mark overall.
She started the business last year after noticing a gap in the market for glass installations in the township.
The business has grown impressively since she joined the SBA programme with leading coach operators such as Greyhound and Translux now featuring among their clients.
She currently employs a team of four but wants to operate at a national level within eight years.
The intensive nine-month programme provides business education to owners of small township businesses.
Funded by the Distell Foundation and Absa, with additional donations from smaller companies, business school alumni, students and staff, the programme provides training in financial and business management, in labour legislation and HR issues, marketing, customer service and the use of social media.
Tsotetsi said the programme had revolutionised the way she now approaches their business.
“Prior to joining the course my husband and I both lacked the knowledge and skills to put our ideas into practice. The programme has offered me invaluable insights into finance, the management of staff and how to run a profitable business," she said.
"Marketing and branding, which have become top priorities, have already gained us a number of new clients. The solid advice from my mentor and the networking opportunities has truly transformed my life.”
Tsotetsi is one of 14 owners of small businesses in Khayelitsha to complete a new programme at USB, which is aimed at advancing the sustainability of small businesses operating in townships.
The group is the first to complete the Small Business Academy Development Programme, a new initiative of the business school creating opportunities for small businesses in townships and by fuelling their growth, ensure job creation and sustainability.
Tsotetsi, who runs a 24-hour mobile auto and building glass installation service jointly with her husband, scored the highest mark overall.
She started the business last year after noticing a gap in the market for glass installations in the township.
The business has grown impressively since she joined the SBA programme with leading coach operators such as Greyhound and Translux now featuring among their clients.
She currently employs a team of four but wants to operate at a national level within eight years.
The intensive nine-month programme provides business education to owners of small township businesses.
Funded by the Distell Foundation and Absa, with additional donations from smaller companies, business school alumni, students and staff, the programme provides training in financial and business management, in labour legislation and HR issues, marketing, customer service and the use of social media.
Tsotetsi said the programme had revolutionised the way she now approaches their business.
“Prior to joining the course my husband and I both lacked the knowledge and skills to put our ideas into practice. The programme has offered me invaluable insights into finance, the management of staff and how to run a profitable business," she said.
"Marketing and branding, which have become top priorities, have already gained us a number of new clients. The solid advice from my mentor and the networking opportunities has truly transformed my life.”
