Page 3 - KZN Business Book Vol.3 No.2

KZN

KwaZulu-Natal
Business Chambers Council
A VISIONARY OUTLOOK

Founded in April 2004, SmartXchange is a not-for prot organisation
that was established to transform the media, information and
communication technology and electronics (MICTe) industry in
South Africa, and assist in developing MICTe skills for economic growth.
Led by CEO Jonathan Naidoo, an economist by profession and previously
COO of Trade and Investment KZN, SmartXchange is well-placed to
deliver against this brief, with a strategic focus on innovation, growth
and development, SMME development, Black Economic Empowerment
and the support of
existing and new
local solutions.

J onathan Naidoo is passionate Secondly, SmartXchange has our lives in the future. An
developed powerful strategic
example is driverless cars of the
about the work that the
SmartXchange is doing to
insurance industry?”
promote the development of partnerships with government and future – how will this aect the
the private sector. irdly, the
entrepreneurs in the MICTe commitment and dedication of the
sector. He says that he is extremely SMMEs is essential. “If they don’t Naidoo added that the lack of
focused on what he wishes the give us good results then we don’t new ideas is a serious challenge
organisation to achieve and has look good”, commented Naidoo. because he has plenty of money
always maintained a visionary to put behind great ideas. He
outlook. is approach is very However, Naidoo says that he said, “I get disappointed when I
necessary in order to remain currently has two serious put out a call every quarter and I
relevant in the innovation space. challenges. get on average on 30 applicants.
Naidoo said, “e ongoing We have no quota system but are
exposure to the vibey and fantastic “e one area that I need to only able to shortlist 30 percent
ideas of these young entrepreneurs have greater impact on is women of the applicants and on average and service providers are to have a global foot print.
is very exciting and provides in ICT. I currently have only a 28 only 10 percent of the original necessary components of the However, innovations in
momentum to the management of percent representation of women applicants are successful. He said economy they oen have low technology are only one aspect of
the day to day business.” on ICT programmes and it is not further, “Government has incen- prot margins. SMMEs also need the solution. “We also require
good enough. e reasons for this tives in place for startups to grow to ensure that they have a broad people to develop smart attitudes.
While he enjoys operating a not low gure are dicult to discern. and for SMMEs to be incubated client base in order to avoid being We need smart minded people
for prot organisation, he says that When you look at the university and we need to encourage a high risk company in the event who are able to deliver the ‘wow’
sustainability is always top of classes they are on average 60 participation. We can’t complain of the loss of key clients. is is factor. We need those people who
mind. Careful attention need to be percent women students. Part of that there is a lack of resources.” especially apparent when are able to give me bad news with
paid to the budget. We don’t take SmartXchange’s strategy is to have companies are over dependent on a smile and who are able to go the
equity forward into new projects road shows for university students As a consequence government contracts, which are extra mile and make me feel good
and always have to put our best and we make a passionate appeal SmartXchange has introduced at times not renewed at the end of even if there are challenges,” said
foot forward. e introduction of to them that their degree should design thinking classes as a the service delivery agreement. Naidoo.
Kings IV has been invaluable as it not only be completed for the forerunner of the creation of a
has helped to develop realistic labour market. eir degree system that will encourage In the future Naidoo would like In conclusion, said Naidoo,
strategies to counter potential should oer them opportunities to innovative thinking. While to see the SmartXchange model “SMMEs are a formula for success,
hurdles that could come at the be an entrepreneur. at is my SmartXchange’s mandate is to being duplicated. He said, “It is a but they require hard work, a little
expense of sustainability. Said message to all students but most assist and grow ICT companies, mature organisation, which is easy bit of luck and faith in God, then
Naidoo, “You make sure that you strongly to the female students this should not be perceived as an to duplicate, has learnt good the reward will come.” When not
have plans of actions in place to because we need them in ICT. end itself but as a platform on lessons and has the potential to be at work Naidoo enjoys the
address issues that could arise − to ey are great thinkers and we which entrepreneurs are able to adopted as a national model.” outdoors, including trail hiking,
guarantee your board that you will need to understand what the build innovative products. Said SmartXchange has been visited by gardening, golng and shing. He
be sustainable.” He added, “We are impediments are to them Naidoo, “Our job is to help international visitors, including a says, “Gardening is therapy as with
also excited that this model for becoming entrepreneurs. entrepreneurs build condence, to delegation from Abu Dhabi as well the entrepreneurs, you plant seeds,
best practice comes from South start up their business and watch as the Belfast Council; both of nurture and watch them grow and
Africa.” My second challenge is to them grow.” which were impressed by the best then enjoy the fruits of your
encourage people to come up with practice being implemented. labour.”
Naidoo says that SmartXchange’s great ideas. We need to nd Naidoo’s personal vision would
success has been made possible solutions jointly. What be to see SMMEs moving from a Another of Naidoo’s passions is http://www.smartxchange.co.za/
through three key elements. traditionally was a crazy idea focus on business support and for innovation to contribute to the
Firstly, he has the backing of could be a great solution. Many of resellers to innovators of great development of ‘Smart African
motivated sta and a highly our current solutions are going to products, which result in high Cities’. He said that South Africa
supportive board and patrons. disruptive to the way that we live growth companies. While resellers has the potential to be a leader and
SMME SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP EMPOWERS RURAL WOMEN

A s part of a collaboration the long-term sustainability of connecting businesswomen with Manguzi and Port Shepstone - in programme comprises a two-day

SMMEs in the province.
mentors who have the knowledge
growing their businesses.
between Ithala
entrepreneurial expo aimed at
Development Finance
businesses to the next level.
co-operatives, youth and women.
Corporation and the Phase one of “Imbokodo and expertise to elevate their “Monthly meetings between rural and township SMMEs,
Businesswomen’s Association of Iyazenzela” involved a series of mentors and mentees are held to
South Africa (BWSA), the Top 20 informative breakfast workshops “e partnership with Ithala has develop strengths, address key In the past three years, Ithala
nominees in the “Imbokodo held across KZN over a three- enabled us to extend our reach to issues and enable skills transfer. has funded 684 business. e
Iyazenzela” Women in SMMEs month period. e programme women in rural and township A stringent reporting mechanism organisation disbursed
Awards 2016 were hosted at a was piloted in 2015 and reached areas through platforms that will to track discussions and progress R875 million, creating 7 917 jobs.
business skills development 1 041 women in 16 towns. enable true empowerment,” said is administered online to promote Women-owned enterprises
workshop in Durban this week. Mpume Langa, BWASA Durban growth and development and comprise 28% of Ithala’s loan book
e objective of phase two of Chairperson. ensure business targets are while youth businesses are 39%.
“Imbokodo Iyazenzela” or the campaign was to bring on eectively achieved.”
“Women doing it for themselves” board strategic partners to assist “By way of giving back to the For enquiries, call 031 907 8921 or email
is one of three agship with the business development community, mentors from In addition, inspirational smayeza@ithala.co.za
programmes spearheaded by needs of female entrepreneurs. BWASA volunteer their time to speakers will be joining Ithala in
Ithala, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial assist entrepreneurs - some of its My Business Indaba, taking to
development agency, to improve e third phase is about whom hail from afar as Jozini, the road later this month. e

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