Jackie Ntshingila

The SEDA provincial manager is a staunch Christian, experienced small business development practitioner and sits on numerous company boards

Jackie Ntshingila, who heads the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) in the Free State, is a firm believer in serving and giving a helping hand to those who need it most. Ntshingila strongly believes in Ubuntu as a tool that not only unite people but also as an inspiration for people to perform at their best.

The religious Ntshingila studied and completed her matric at a Roman Catholic school in Mariasdal High School. She started working for SEDA in 1996.

As SEDA’s provincial manager, Ntshingila has managed beneficial partnerships with commercial banks; local and district municipalities; as well as SASOL Infrachem.

She has given talks at high profile events that include the national Sowetan Womanhood Celebration; MBA students at the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Eastern Free State Business Women’s Day.
Ntshingila serves on numerous boards and committees including the War Museum; SAMTI; the Moahisane Development Trust, representing the Netherlands Business (Noaber); and is a member of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) with UFS as well as IOD. She is a living proof that hard work cannot to kill anyone.

Briefly tell us about yourself.
I was born and nurtured in the small town of Meloding, Virginia, 51 years ago. I am married; a mother of three daughters and a grandmother.

What is your role at SEDA and how long have you been working there?
I joined SEDA in 2006 as a provincial manager. My duties are the overall management of the agency in the province; the improvement of relationship between the agency and its stakeholders, including businesses; the government and also the small business community. I have represented SEDA at different forums and ensure that our clients are happy with our service.

What would you say are some of the setbacks for aspiring entrepreneurs?
There are three big challenges they face. These include the “red tape” when it comes to funding; lack of security or collateral when applying for funding and the lack of innovation from the entrepreneurs. They prefer to get into common businesses instead of venturing into a completely new environment;

How has joining SEDA changed your perspective of life?
I am sometimes very hard when it comes to work and targets that should be met. There came a point in my life when I realised that being the reserved person that I am would not work. A leader has to make unpopular decisions at times and that changes your personality somewhat.

Does SEDA offer funding or loans?
No, SEDA offers a non-financial support service. SEDA clients are categorised into the following stages of businesses: Let’s talk Business; Start your Business; Build your Business and Grow your Business. SEDA supports all entrepreneurs, from emerging to growing and also to those who want to export or are already exporting.

What services does SEDA offer?
SEDA offers the following services: business systems development, mentorship, cooperative support, tender advice or procurement support, growth strategies, capacity building, export readiness, franchising advice and development of business plans.

Other services include business counselling, facilitation of access to finance, business registrations, business advice and information, small enterprise training and access to technology

How does SEDA assist Cooperatives?
SEDA assists with registration, feasibility study, compilation of business plans, access to funding through the Cooperative Incentive Scheme (CIS), access to markets, and dissemination of information and mentorship of Cooperatives members.

How did winning the prestigious MBA Alumni Achiever of the Year Award and the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award at the UFS contribute to your career?
I get invited to many events where I give motivational talks and I have to say that it is a great passion that I am looking to pursue. Women are a subject and an audience that is closest to my heart.

How does SEDA help businesses sustain themselves?
We provide pre-care, after-care and mentorship where applicable.

For someone who is reading this now and might have a business idea, how would you advise them?
They have to understand the business idea, do research, get as much information possible about that idea, in other words they have to do their own homework and then come to SEDA offices for assistance.