National Skills Fund boosts entrepreneur

Meldah Baloyi runs a hair salon in Tzaneen which she started in 2013.

In May 2016, Meldah received a phone call about a training opportunity for Emerging Entrepreneurs (EEs) through the Basic Entrepreneurial Skills Development (BESD) programme set up by Seda.

She was very interested and met Jessica Mankelane, who is employed as an Entrepreneurial Development Practitioner (EDP) by a training provider under a contract with Seda. Jessica became ‘her’ EDP and assisted Meldah to develop her business.

She learnt the importance of record keeping, and financial management skills. Jessica is also able to act as an intermediary and a translator for Meldah to express her business observations and queries.

Meldah also had a very positive experience at her second business club meeting when she was able to showcase her business and the products that she has to offer. This led to interest by other EEs and their placing orders – proof that the business clubs can be useful marketing opportunities.

Meldah is optimistic about what she has learnt through the BESD training and coaching, and will continue to apply the knowledge and skills that she has seen are beneficial to her business. She has plans to improve the business further and make it a great success, and appreciates the assistance from BESD in getting her to this point.

Source: National Skills Fund (NSF)