The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has identified major entertainment industry events as strategic platforms to position Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the province.
According to the department, such events attract large audiences and create valuable opportunities for local market participation. For this reason, DEDECT, in partnership with its entity, the North West Parks & Tourism Board, has identified key events across the province to ensure that MSMEs are not left behind, but actively involved in showcasing and promoting their products and services.
The initiative forms part of the department’s Access to Market Programme, a strategic intervention designed to stimulate economic development by creating an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of MSMEs. Through these market-access opportunities, DEDECT continues to promote small business participation in the mainstream economy, while fostering job creation and encouraging local procurement within communities.
As part of this initiative, DEDECT has provided enterprises from the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality with an opportunity to showcase and sell their proudly local products and services to hundreds of attendees at the Hats and Shades event currently taking place at Da Road Park in Ganyesa.
By positioning MSMEs at dynamic platforms such as the Hats and Shades event, the department has also taken the opportunity to promote its responsible drinking campaigns during the festive season—a period often associated with increased alcohol consumption. These awareness programmes form a critical component of the department’s mandate and are continuously implemented across the province through roadshows, outreach activities, and flagship initiatives such as Thuntsha Lerole.
The department has encouraged participants of the Hats and Shades event, as well as community members, to support local enterprises by buying locally-made products to help ensure the sustainable growth and long-term success of North West MSMEs.
