Expressed confidence that they would be able to grow their businesses and plan better after they received financial management training.

The training was sponsored by the provincial department of economic development as part of its contribution in empowering small businesses and promoting responsible liquor trading.

More than 50 traders have so far benefitted from the course that has been run in Mahikeng, Khuma and Jouberton townships, in Klerksdorp.

Economic development spokesperson Dumisa Seshabela said that liquor traders were important stakeholders who played a vital role in the provincial gross domestic product.

“The liquor industry is estimated to have created about 109000 direct employment opportunities, with an estimated number of 95000 jobs existing within the formal liquor retail sector. The decision to embark on a financial management training course focusing on tavern consumption was meant to help them improve their businesses,” she said.

Seshabela added that the course would be extended to traders in other centres in the province that were not covered in the first round.

“The objective of the training was to equip licencees with the financial management skills which would assist them to run their business effectively. It would furthermore ensure sustainability in order to create more job opportunities and grow the economy of the province. The training was offered by Taletso FET College in Mahikeng and was managed by Thuto ya Setshaba working in partnership with Ratidzo Training Solution, which is accredited by Agri-Seta,” she said.

A resolution to train and empower traders was taken at a liquor lekgotla, held in Mahikeng on February 15 this year.

One of the tavern owners, Molato Charles Moqhai of King Lucky’s Place in Stilfontein said: “This training has equipped some of us with skills to analyse income and expenditure statements. It will go a long way in helping us to make informed financial decisions that promote a sustainable and responsible liquor industry.”

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