BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE: Girl child it’s possible!
I love strong women who lead and sit in the corner office, representing women. A study has proven that women make better leaders because of their commitment and resilience. When we think about it, women wear many hats in general. This best describes Khethiwe Mhlanga, who has been the CEO of Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) since July 26, 2021.
She shared with this publication her story, and this is what she had to say.
Where were you born?
I was born in Manzini. My mother raised me as a single mother with the help of my grandparents.
I grew up in Ludzeludze during my preteen years. I was raised on three continents: Africa, North America, and Europe, in the following cities and countries: Ludzeludze (Eswatini), New York (United States of America), Brussels (Belgium), and Copenhagen (Denmark).
Where did you study in high school and tertiary?
I have two degrees. I have a Masters of Art (MA) in International Development Management from the University of Bradford, in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and a Bachelors of Art (BA) in International Affairs and Economics from Vesalius College, Vrije University Brussels, in Brussels, Belgium.
I went to three high schools. At 11 years old, I attended Mjingo High School for Forms 1 and 2. Then, I moved to New York and went to Bayard Rustin High School for Humanities, where I received my high school diploma at 15 years old. When we moved to Belgium, at age 16, I went to the International School of Brussels, where I received my academic high school diploma.
When did you assume your role as CEO at SEDCO?
I joined the Small Enterprise Development Company. In the middle of COVID-19, which was exacerbated by the unrest having a negative impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
What are the challenges and benefits of being a female CEO?
The challenges of being a female CEO are that we still have a “boys club” mentality, and women’s voices are not as amplified as those of men, especially in sectors that impact socio-economic development. Women in general still deal with some “micro-aggressions” and “mansplaining,” and being a female CEO makes no difference as you engage with people from different walks of life.
The benefits of being a female CEO are being able to embrace my femininity, as it comes with many qualities to support a transformative and positive culture in the workplace. It enables me to be authentic and transparent, as well as accountable. I’m able to lean into my emotional intelligence and continue to work hard with a growth mindset.
What does your role as CEO involve
My overall role is to shape the company’s direction, which means having a clear vision and strategy for the company. Having a strategic plan that gives a roadmap on how to achieve our short-term and long-term goals. Ensuring that the financial management of the company is in accordance with our strategic plan while safeguarding the sustainability of the company. Therefore, budgeting accordingly and revenue generation for the company are essential. Moreover, aligning with the company’s mission and values ensures that this is communicated effectively. Creating a culture of high performance and excellence as a company that is customer-centric.
What have you noted as you work with young entrepreneurs?
Young entrepreneurs are mostly graduates who ventured into business due to being unable to get employment. Therefore, we have found that some of the young entrepreneurs were leaving their businesses once they gained employment. However, those who have the passion or ambition for entrepreneurship thrive running their businesses. Young entrepreneurs are in all sectors now, such as information technology, agriculture, construction, baking and confectionery, and goods and service suppliers.
Young entrepreneurs in the creative industries have a huge potential for economic empowerment. There is so much talent that is not being curated and supported in a manner that can take our young entrepreneurs to the global stage. Entrepreneurs in the creative industry need access to expos and markets, finance, and capacity building in business management.
What can you advise young people about starting a business?
A young person starting a business must first research the problem that they would like to provide a solution for. Have a business plan that is viable. It is important for the youth to know that starting a business shouldn’t require huge capital from the get-go. A young person must have the understanding that success doesn’t occur overnight. They must understand that businesses tend to fail before they grow; therefore, young people must learn to persevere. Being a young entrepreneur, they should focus on using their profit from the business to expand instead of buying flashy vehicles, which depreciate with time. Cash flow management is critical for young entrepreneurs.
A young entrepreneur should be receptive to receiving business coaching services as they navigate through their entrepreneurial journey. The young entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilise digital skills to market their businesses through social media or e-commerce platforms. They must continue to be creative, innovative, and risk-taking in order to excel as entrepreneurs.
How can young people get assistance from SEDCO?
SEDCO provides capacity building for young entrepreneurs through face-to-face entrepreneurship training, or one can opt for online training. We offer business coaching and mentorship for those young entrepreneurs who already have businesses running. We can facilitate their company’s registration.
The youth can visit SEDCO for any business advice they need. We have a workspace available whereby they can join the incubation programme, which is comprehensive. SEDCO is in the process of working towards making it affordable for the youth to access all services, which aims to promote the growth of entrepreneurs.
Summary of what SEDCO does
SEDCO’s focus is on empowering our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cultivating the culture of entrepreneurship in the country. The programmes offered by SEDCO are inclusive, which means we cater to the youth, women, and people living with disabilities to ensure that they are empowered to pursue entrepreneurship. We provide training, incubation, business coaching, and legal services and create an environment whereby entrepreneurs are able to upscale. SEDCO is working with key partners to encourage and empower MSMEs to upscale the uptake of business development support services. We are using different platforms to enable all MSMEs to have access to capacity-building programmes for the development of their businesses. We are using online training platforms, social media, broadcasting services, television, and print media to enable MSMEs to have access to information that will assist their businesses in growing.
There are key programmes that SEDCO is in partnership with, such as:
ICT Hub (Hub) programme for the youth in Pigg’s Peak, SEDCO estate, with support from ESCCOM and UNDP.
MTN MSME Hub has seen entrepreneurs supported by SEDCO, ESWADE, and the Ministry of Agriculture given a chance to showcase their products as part of the Access to Markets programme.
Eswatini promotes growth through competitive alliances with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC).
MTN Cija NgeBhizinisi
SEDCO-ESERA Entrepreneurship Project to integrate entrepreneurship with mini-grid systems at eMvundla and eBulimeni.
The success stories of SEDCO
The success stories of SEDCO are showcased in the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which were sponsored by FNB, FINCORP, Old Mutual, and ENPF. Last year, we hosted the 17th edition of EYA, and we noted that most of the winners in the various categories had undergone training or business coaching by SEDCO. The overall winner of 2023 of the 17th edition, Mr. Thamsanqa Mdluli of Acero Steel, was first incubated in the SEDCO estate in Matsapha. Acero Steel is a manufacturing company based in Matsapha that specialises in steel products, including door frames, window frames, nails, metre boxes, and steel fabrication. The company employs 25 full-time staff and about 10 temporary staff members. His business expanded over the years as he built his own factory and exited the incubation programme at SEDCO.
