Maposh Catering and Décor hosted its first ever Business Women Talk at the Ribolla Motel in Bokisi village on Saturday, 8 October, to uplift and encourage woman entrepreneurs.
Female entrepreneurs from all over Vhembe and Polokwane attended the event. Some of the obstacles that were pointed out included women dragging each other down in business, and gender inequality in terms of access to tenders.
One of the attendees, Ms Franny Mabasa from Louis Trichardt, said the event was very insightful. "The event helped me to broaden my thinking and to see that this country is full of possibilities. What we need to do is grab them with both hands and pave a way for the next girl child," she said.
The founder of Maposh Catering and Décor, Ms Portia Phuravhathu from Chavani village, explained that she had established her business in 2013 because of the scarcity of jobs around her community.
Ms Phuravhathu's business is a for-profit corporation that specialises in catering, décor and furniture hire. She was inspired by her father, Nduna James Mgabini, a well-known and successful businessman. She shared her reasons for hosting events for female entrepreneurs. "I want to encourage women not to rely on the government, since it does not provide enough job possibilities, but to start their own businesses. They should also not rely on men because when you rely on men, they take advantage of you, which is why some are forced to stay in toxic relationships," she said.
Despite their busy schedules as female entrepreneurs, one of the guest speakers, Dr Livhuwani Dagada from Thohoyandou, encouraged the women to take care of their health as breadwinners. "We should take care of our health too. What would be the point of making a lot of money, while we neglect to take care of ourselves?" She also discussed the management of lifestyle disorders, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.