Key stake holders and the four winners from the most outstanding,improved and active SMME :

Mr Ratanang Selome (1st on the left , Absa) | Title Name Surname (2nd from the left , Absa) | DR Koketso Rakhudu (1st from the right , Koketso Rakhudu Title Name Surname Foundation) | (2nd from the right, Absa) | Mr Thapelo Rapoo (3rd from the right, COC).

Hats off to Absa for sponsoring a profound program: Absa ESD Business Support Program, for raising “all-rounded” entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs hale from North West, Rustenburg .They are participants who have realized that even if there are no job opportunities in the market place, it is not all lost. They heeded the call from one of the big banks in the country, Absa for crafting their destinies as entrepreneurs. The participants in question have undergone intense training that is offered by Classic Oriental Consultancy (Pty) Ltd, a black owned Business Development Services company. This is a company that prides itself with ten (10) years’ experience in this field. The company has trained and produced excellent SMMEs who were able to lay a solid foundation for their enterprises. Most of the people they have trained have been able to grow in leaps and bounds business wise. Today, the 26th of November 2020 has been a milestone for the collaboration between Absa and Classic Oriental Consultancy (Pty) Ltd. Today, Absa incubator program beneficiaries have been issued with certificates for completing a three (3) months program. They also walk away with prices in the form of money, that is earmarked for investing and developing their businesses.

1st Prize winner: Oratilwe Nameng (scopes 100k)

– Top 5 receive 20k each
The criteria used to select the best candidates
was :-
– Outstanding business,
– Most active and improved business.

This means that the trained people are well equipped with the necessary skills, attitude and knowledge to successfully run their businesses. Among other things they are able to develop frameworks for their own business plans as well as integrate their businesses into relevant networks. We are confident that they will be able to grow their businesses in a well-structured manner, averting and mitigating detrimental paths (risks).

Mr Ratanang Selome
(Absa Enterprise Development)

It is pleasing to note that the beneficiaries unanimously agree that the time spent on the program was fruitful. It has provided them with a stepping stone towards a brighter future. They agree that the program is informative and is presented in an interactive and interesting way. Oratilwe Nameng had this to say; “it was beautiful spending some quality time in the workshops under the care and supervision of people with full insight of the subject matter. I feel ready to move forward. I have met other people in the program who will serve as my support system. My wish is to get business contracts and funding. Thank you to Absa to Mr Thapelo Rapoo and his stuff members.” The culmination of this program, with such wonderful results pleases Absa tremendously. Mr Ratanang Selome: Absa Enterprise Development said; “Absa has an intense Cooperate Social Investment Program that is spread across the entire South Africa. The primary aim of our CSI is to better the general standard of living for the previously disadvantaged individuals. Giving SMMEs a push and a boost towards the right direction is one of the things we do with passion, commitment, integrity and steadfastness. We do all that is in our power to sustain programs that are geared at helping SMMEs. This is one of our flagships at Absa. On behalf of Absa, I would like to thank all the participants for their commitment and dedication towards the program.”

“We confirm that all the beneficiaries share the same sentiments as *FIRST PRIZE WINNER*. We take this opportunity to applaud the beneficiaries for their achievement. We saw them push on to the finishing line despite the challenges posed by Covid19. They have demonstrated a pleasing amount of perseverance and tenacity. We wish them a smooth sailing and success going forward, “said Mr Thapelo Rapoo the Founder and Executive Director of Classic Oriental Consultancy (Pty) Ltd.

To Absa, a big round of applause. You are indeed a good corporate citizen that is an integral part of the communities it operates in.