Authored by: Captain SA Reporter | SA Rainbow News | 19th October 2026

KATLEHONG, GAUTENG — Entrepreneurs, programme participants, stakeholders and community members gathered at the Katlehong Resource Centre on Thursday, 8 October 2026, for the Community Media Trust (CMT) STEP Business Showcase, an initiative that combined entrepreneurship, market access, networking and personal development.

The event provided a platform for participants to showcase their businesses, connect with potential partners and customers, share their experiences, and explore opportunities to grow their enterprises.

Beyond the exhibition stalls, the showcase highlighted the importance of community-based development programmes in addressing poverty, reducing inequality and creating opportunities for sustainable economic participation.

#SARainbowNews #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Katlehong

A programme rooted in behavioural change and poverty reduction

The programme opened with a prayer led by Pastor Mr Maduna, setting a reflective and purposeful tone for the day.

Deliwe Mankgane, representing Community Media Trust, highlighted the organisation’s 25-year behavioural change programme and its focus on addressing the structural drivers of poverty and promoting poverty reduction and inequality reduction.

The STEP Business Showcase reflected the importance of equipping individuals with practical skills, building entrepreneurial confidence and connecting emerging businesses with networks that can support their development.

By creating opportunities for participants to present their products and services to the public, the initiative sought to bridge the gap between business development training and real-world trading opportunities.

#CommunityMediaTrust #STEPBusinessShowcase #PovertyReduction

Stakeholders strengthen support for entrepreneurs

The showcase brought together stakeholders from various institutions and organisations, demonstrating the value of collaboration in supporting entrepreneurship and local economic development.

Among those represented were Dumisani Sibanyoni and Thabiseng from Absa; Tsakani Moreane from the Department of Employment and Labour; Lydia Magudulela from FNB; Ouma Monareng from the City of Ekurhuleni; and Miss Lerato from the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).

Pulane, representing Orengelo Beauty Trainers, also participated in the programme.

Their presence reflected the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with stakeholders who may provide business guidance, financial services, employment-related information, enterprise development support and other opportunities.

Such engagements can help small businesses strengthen their networks, improve their understanding of available resources and identify pathways towards long-term sustainability.

#BusinessNetworking #StakeholderEngagement #SMMEs #EconomicEmpowerment

Entrepreneurs share their journeys, lessons and achievements

One of the key highlights of the programme was the testimonials delivered by participants, who shared their personal journeys, experiences, lessons learned and achievements.

Mxolise Ginya, Siphosethu Shabalala and Dineo Mosedi were among those who shared their stories, bringing attention to the experiences of individuals working towards their business and personal development goals.

These testimonials provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges entrepreneurs face, the determination required to overcome obstacles and the value of continued learning and support.

By giving participants a platform to speak about their experiences, the showcase reinforced the importance of recognising progress, exchanging knowledge and encouraging others who are pursuing their own entrepreneurial ambitions.

Thabisile Tshabalala, representing Community Media Trust, also formed part of the programme.

#EntrepreneurialJourney #InspiringStories #SkillsDevelopment

From presentations to trading: Market Day comes alive

Following the formal programme, participants opened their trading stalls, transforming the venue into a lively marketplace where business owners could display and sell their products and services while engaging directly with visitors.

The exhibition featured a variety of categories, including food, beauty products and services, arts and crafts, clothing and other business offerings.

The diversity of stalls showcased the creativity, skills and entrepreneurial potential within the participating community.

For exhibitors, the Market Day offered an opportunity to attract customers, introduce their brands to new audiences, generate sales and receive feedback on their offerings. Visitors, in turn, could explore different products, support emerging businesses and establish valuable connections with local entrepreneurs.

The trading and networking activities continued throughout the day under the coordination of Community Media Trust, allowing participants to make the most of the platform beyond the formal presentations.

#MarketDay #BuyLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses #TownshipEconomy

Collaboration remains key to sustainable business growth

The STEP Business Showcase demonstrated how entrepreneurship programmes can create meaningful opportunities when training, stakeholder engagement, personal development and practical market exposure come together.

For emerging entrepreneurs, access to customers and networks can be an important step towards building visibility and establishing a sustainable business. For communities, supporting small enterprises can contribute to local economic activity, job creation and broader development goals.

Through initiatives such as the STEP Business Showcase, Community Media Trust provided a platform for participants to demonstrate their capabilities, exchange experiences and engage with a wider business community.

The event underscored an important message: empowering entrepreneurs requires more than teaching business skills — it also requires opportunities to trade, build relationships and connect with markets.

As the participating entrepreneurs continue their journeys, the knowledge, exposure and connections gained through the showcase may help them identify new opportunities and work towards growing their businesses.

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#SARainbowNews #CommunityMediaTrust #STEPBusinessShowcase #Entrepreneurship #Katlehong