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2025/26 Entrepreneurship Coaching Programme Kicks Off at Makers Landing

The Rotary Club of Waterfront launched its 2025/26 Entrepreneurship Coaching Programme on Saturday 8 November at Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront, marking another important step in the Club’s ongoing commitment to empowering small business owners and strengthening local enterprise.

The programme, led by RCW Director for Entrepreneurship and Immediate Past President responsible for internationalisation and stakeholderengagement, is presented in collaboration with the Silulo Foundation. This year’s intake of small businesses includes WooW Foods, The Tin Roof, KhoiScouts and Sea Dogs, KHS Clinic, and KHS Aesthetic.

Guest speaker Fatima Davids, founder of Corpchem and a graduate of the RCW entrepreneurship programme, shared her inspiring journey from aspiring entrepreneur to successful business owner. She expressed deep appreciation to the Rotary Club of Waterfront for not only offering sound business mentorship but also unlocking valuable networks with the City of Cape Town and the Salesians Youth Institute. Corpchem now takes on learners from SIYP annually to help them gain workplace experience — a true example of giving back and building sustainable impact.

Participants took away key messages: believe that you can do it; be the change in your community; balance business growth with social responsibility; recognise the challenges women face in male-dominated sectors; and use legislation to scale your business effectively.

Jan Buurman provided valuable feedback on the day, highlighting four essentials for entrepreneurial success:

  • Keep your admin and systems up to date.
  • Build profits before giving to charity — charity comes from profits, not costs.
  • Master your elevator pitch — be ready to describe your business clearly in 90 seconds.
  • Keep business and personal finances separate.

Well done to Jan Buurman and Alex Schubert for their leadership and guidance during the session. Hamilton Zwane and Leonardo Bortoleto (Youth Exchange Student) also actively participated, bringing great energy and insight to the day.

The event set an inspiring tone for the year ahead, reaffirming the Rotary Club of Waterfront’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for community development and sustainable economic growth.

Above: Guest Speaker Fatima Davids, Founder of Corpchem (Pty) Ltd and a graduate of the RCW entrepreneurship programme.

Saturday, 8 November at Makers Landing: Important step in the Club’s ongoing commitment to empowering small business owners and strengthening local enterprise.L-R: Alex Schubert;Xoleka kambi (KHS Clinic), Thandekile Mgijima (The Tin Roof), Simphiwe Rorwana (Khoi Scouts and Sea Dogs) and Lisa Ndyalivani (Woow Food) … were the 4 present (out of 8) and Jan Buurman; Leonardo Bortoleto and Hamilton Zwane.

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