WILLOWVALE- The Ward 24 and 29 Business Forum stands today as a powerful example of how community members can come together to confront challenges and build opportunities for themselves. The forum was formed in response to the struggles small businesses faced in Ward 24 & 29 under MbhasheLocalMunicipality, especially during major development projects where many felt excluded and unheard.
Born and raised in Willowvale, Lower Gwadu in Ward 24 and studied Public Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Chairperson of Ward 24 and 29 Business Forum, Nceba Mdledle said that, “I remember when we started, we were very few. It was me and the members who are still in the forum today. Others are no longer with us,” he said.
The idea took shape after Phase 1 of a local road project began and small business owners realised they were unable to access opportunities.
“We didn’t have a voice, we couldn’t get in because of reasons that were considered valid at the time,” Mdledle explained.
This pushed the group to create their own forum where they could speak for themselves, ask questions and understand the processes behind community development. One young businessman called members together, saying that they too had businesses and shared the same struggles.
“We then held our first meeting at a newly built school, Phathilizwe Junior Secondary School after noticing how many local business owners were suffering due to lack of information and guidance.”
In July 2017, the forum was officially established bringing together members from Wards 24, 27 and 29. It was initially named the Phathilizwe Business Forum, inspired by the Phathilizwe project that was planned for the area.
Over time the name changed to the Ward 24 and 29 Business Forum, although members from Ward 27 remain fully involved.
He said that, “The forum faced major challenges mainly exclusion from job opportunities.”
Mdledle believes many people dismiss their forum because it is not formally recognised.
He recalls an incident where they approached another established business forum to collaborate. Instead of receiving support, they were told they were not recognised and were dismissed.
Despite the rejection, they pressed on independently, knowing development projects would eventually reach their wards. However, they continued to face obstacles being overlooked, not informed and not included in decision-making.
Whenever problems arose, they relied on the local chief and councillor to intervene.The forum is calling on government to sit down with them, listen to their needs and partner in empowering local businesses.
Their main concern is trainining ensuring that people receive skills development that matches their abilities and that they can get certificates needed to run registered businesses.
They want government support to help train people properly so that they can understand what is required when starting a company, where to go, and how to comply with business procedures.
Many residents have raw skills but lack formal knowledge or credentials.The forum also wants to show government the goals they have for their ward, emphasising that everyone should benefit when opportunities arise.
One of the biggest achievements of the forum has been shifting the mindset of local residents. More people now understand the importance of business and know they cannot simply wait for jobs to appear.
They have become more informed, proactive and business-minded.
The forum dreams of growing into an institution with proper training departments, an office and a system that can assist with company registration and provide reliable information without everything being dependent on the chairperson.
They hope to create jobs through local projects and ensure people employed by the forum receive salaries.
Through determination, unity and a passion for development, the Ward 24 and 29 Business Forum continues to rise empowering individuals and strengthening the economic future of the community.
Photographs: supplied
