The executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, Irene Mutsila, urged women to grasp business opportunities with both hands, in order to develop themselves and contribute to the economic development of their societies. She was speaking during the Mhani Gingi Social Entrepreneur Network women business opportunities workshop at North Tech College, Thohoyandou, on Saturday.

Mhani Gingi referred to an industrious woman who is always busy looking and creating solutions to social challenges. The institution was established in 1994 by Mesdames Lillian Masebenza and Mpho Mashengete. Both women, who are university graduates and have worked at a number of financial institutions and are sitting on a number of boards, want to empower other women who still believe that only men can succeed in the business sector.

Mhani Gingi uses a holistic approach to find solutions to human problems by empowering groups who are operating businesses on an informal level through relevant skills. The organization also encourages and promotes a social entrepreneurial spirit amongst businesses in the communities so that they can actively participate in the eco-nomic mainstream of the country.

Mutsila said it is no longer time for sleeping because women also have skills and knowledge that can make them successful in the business sector. She also encouraged women to start their own business so that they can be self-reliant.

Mutsila added: “Unleash your potential and work hard to achieve your entrepreneurial goals. It does not matter what level of education you have. The most important thing is to develop a positive attitude and work hard to achieve your goals. Never look down upon yourself because there is a lot of talent in you.”

One of the Directors of Mhani Gingi, Lillian Masebenza, told the guests that they must strive to engage themselves in different business opportunities that are available in the country. She encouraged women to break sexual barriers and engage themselves in former men-only job opportunities.

“Mhani Gingi is looking for land which is not under claim, where we can showcase our integrated property development model. We are also looking for serious-minded businesspeople who can make a difference in the business sector. As women, we need to stand up and never allow poverty and unemployment to terrorize us.”

During the workshop, the guests had opportunities to interact and each one of them described the services of her business, how it started and the challenges that they are presently facing.

One of the guests, Dakalo Mavhungu, who runs a catering company, said she was equipped with the knowledge that will help her in running her business in a professional manner.

“The workshop was surely an eye opener and I encourage other women to attend workshops of this kind because it helps one to grow in the business sector.”