MALKERNS – Standard Bank brought a roomful of entrepreneurs to Malandela’s last Friday for its Grow Beyond Borders seminar, where business owners were urged to shift their thinking from local survival to global competitiveness.
Held beneath the trees and thatched roofs of the Malkerns-based cultural venue, the seminar gathered voices from fashion, food, finance and trade who challenged attendees to refine their products, build strong narratives, and grow sustainably—without cutting corners.
Paula Marques, co-founder of Black Mamba Foods, told entrepreneurs that exporting successfully wasn’t about chasing geography, but about execution. “Get the basics right,” she said, pointing to quality control, durable packaging, and clear brand storytelling as essentials. She discouraged the mindset of rushing to conquer international markets without first perfecting what is made at home.
Her views were echoed by festival director Jiggs Thorne, who warned against building businesses on hype. “Do things slowly, properly, and pay attention to detail,” he said. “Consistency beats flashiness every time.”
The seminar also featured Mrs. M, a culinary entrepreneur known for her spice blends and sauces, who spoke openly about the emotional grit required to build a brand. She called for more spaces where small business owners can access trade partners and investors directly, saying platforms like Standard Bank’s initiative offer rare and valuable exposure.
From the fashion world, South African designer Thula Sindi shared lessons from his journey taking African design to the global stage. Speaking candidly, he told entrepreneurs that they didn’t need thousands of customers to start. “Convert ten people who truly believe in your product,” he said. “Use social media with purpose, make things that matter, and be reachable.”
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