Limpopo United Business Forum LIMPOPO UNITED BUSINESS FORUM

Events and activities

Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising 10 business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

Members

NAFCOC, Black Management Forum (BMF), Businesswomen’s Association (BWA), Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), Seshego Business Quorum, Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE), Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU), Limpopo ICT Forum and the African Farmers’ Association of SA.

Objective

To collaborate and partner with public and private organisations in promoting and advancing the interests of members. LUBF further forms part of the social compact comprising business, government and civil society in order to grow the economy of Limpopo, contribute to the creation of jobs, reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.

months engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

Survival and opportunity

• Businesses are struggling due to the stagnant economy, a situation that has now been exacerbated by the unprecedented pandemic. Limpopo has lower than average household income and low ICT connectivity. Small businesses have to continue creating jobs to save the economy.

• LUBF has intensified its programme of action and has recently engaged many relevant stakeholders. The objective is to assist SMMEs to gain access to Covid-19 relief programmes and access business opportunities.

The Limpopo United Business Forum ( LUBF) has been very active in the 2022/23 period. Several engagements were held with members of the executive committee of the Limpopo Provincial Government and other stakeholders at various levels.

Programme of action

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment. In responding to the challenges that are currently facing SMMEs, LUBF has in the past two

The Limpopo Economy Development Agency (LEDA) has undertaken to partner with LUBF with respect to businesses faced with funding challenges and the agency will host workshops to expose business owners to various development funding institutions (DFIs). The forum has encouraged members to be aware of, and submit proposals regarding, the Manufacturing Fund launched by LEDA.

The LUBF also actively engages with the major companies. Anglo American has offered to run monthly markets where member organisations will have an opportunity to showcase and sell their products. The first such market is planned for the Capricorn District.

Event: Strategic plan

The LUBF Management Executive Committee held a strategic planning session which was open to all members of the Executive Committee. Old Mutual kindly provided a venue for the meeting where the main topic of discussion was the constitution and the possible updating thereof.

Event: LEDA 100 days

A breakfast session was held to coincide with

• Intervention is vital for the survival of businesses but it is also true that the new economy presents opportunities for small businesses to create new jobs and maintain current ones.

• LUBF’s role is therefore to ensure access to available programmes and assist entrepreneurs to take their space in the new normal of digitisation, innovation and manufacturing.

• The leadership remain committed to uniting the voice of business. ■ the 100 days in office of the MEC responsible for LEDA, Rodgers Monama. He is MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The MEC reiterated his commitment to support small business and encouraged members to apply to LEDA where appropriate and to report if they experienced any challenges in the process.

Contact details

Old Mutual was on hand on this occasion to explain the workings of its Masisizane product.

Address: 1st Flr, Terminal Bldg, Polokwane Airport, Gateway Drive, Polokwane Tel: +27 15 296 0654

Administrator: Abram Luruli Cell: 084 451 9923

Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Event: Treasury

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

The MEC responsible for the Limpopo Treasury, Seaparo Sekoati, briefed LUBF members on provincial procurement plans. He provided business owners with advice on how to do business with government and stressed the importance of compliance.

Event: PostNet

PostNet Group CEO Mboya Simango shared with LUBF members her business experience and noted the challenges and successes that had come her way in the course of her career. The event, which was heavily oversubscribed, was a great success.

Further events

During 2023 further engagements will be held with the MECs for Agriculture, Health, Transport and Community Safety, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.

Business Breakfasts are monthly and LUBF is open to partnerships with SOEs and corporates. ■