Various South African Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the tourism sector stand to benefit hugely from exposure at this week’s World Trade Market Africa in Cape Town.

This was Siyabulela Siyaka’s experience after attending it for the first time in 2011 in London.

Siyaka is the owner of Langa-based Ubizo Events and Tours, a tour operator business specialising in giving international visitors an authentic taste of life in the Cape Town townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha.

Last month, the 32-year-old was one of two beneficiaries to get R50 000 for his businesses from Cape Town Tourism’s Board Development Fund (BDF). The fund specifically assists SMMEs to develop their tourism businesses.

He will receive further non-financial support from Cape Town Tourism in the form of Cape Town Tourism membership, business skills coaching, mentorship and marketing support until February 2016.

Siyaka attributes his enthusiasm to business being in his blood – thanks to his late grandfather, who owned a supermarket, and his parents, who run a successful restaurant in Langa.

“I wish my grandfather were alive today, so that I could have asked him how he managed to raise capital and run a successful business under difficult circumstances.

“There are so many more opportunities out there than there were in the past to help SMMEs develop their businesses. I would not have been where I am today if I hadn’t attended the World Trade Market in 2011,” he said.

While the up-and-coming entrepreneur may only have an annual turnover of about R500 000, he has trained and employed 10 local tour guides and three permanent staff to work for his business.

His tours through Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha not only allow for entrepreneurs in the area to get business, but many of his foreign clients also give financial support to various community projects they visit on their tour.

Ubizo Tours and Events will now also have cycling tours from Langa to Gugulethu as part of a tour experience for international clients.

This year’s World Trade Market was organised by Thebe Reed Exhibitions and runs from April 15 to 17.

Commercial director Sugen Pillay said while the exhibition allows SMMEs international exposure from visiting buyers, its workshops also inform businesses owners about the challenges of running a business in the tourism industry.

Author: Nicolette Dirk