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The Township Retail Investment Summit (TRIS) is making a grand return, boasting an expanded programme that offers twice the insights, twice the knowledge and twice the collaborative spirit.
The event, set to take place from August 31 to September 1 2023 at Mall of Thembisa, is dedicated to unravelling the potential of township entrepreneurship while delving into the intricacies of investment in this sector.
This year's gathering seeks to dissect both the lucrative possibilities and the hurdles faced when investing in township endeavours. The comprehensive two-day programme will feature an array of keynote speakers, industry experts and engaging panel discussions.
CEO of Exemplar Jason McCormick shared the summit's mission, stating: "This year's event aims to explore townships as the final frontier in retail, examining ways to enhance accessibility and connectivity. We are committed to fostering a brighter future for all South Africans."
The inaugural TRIS event took place in November 2022, born from the aspirations of township luminaries such as Drip's Lekau Sehoana, Rita Zwane, and Miles Kubheka.
Building upon the experiences of the 2022 summit, this year's extended two-day agenda promises to uncover deeper insights and concrete evidence regarding the prospects of township and rural retail ventures.
The event aims to bridge the gap between township retail opportunities and the retail landscape of the future.
Guided by Kubheka, the programme has been tailored to serve the interests of entrepreneurs, retailers, funders and investors alike.
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Kubheka expressed his excitement about the new additions, noting: "We are introducing our first 'Kasipreneur Pitch Session' this year, allowing five local brands the chance to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges. The winner will earn a year of rent-free space in one of Exemplar's Gauteng shopping centres."
Kubheka, the driving force behind Wakanda, a food business accelerator, emphasised the abundance of creativity present in townships. He believes the summit serves as a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to engage with corporate entities and influential stakeholders, addressing challenges and seeking actionable solutions.
"The summit strives to align business developers, investors, local government and policymakers around a shared vision," Kubheka explained. He emphasised that the summit was not solely aimed at end consumers, but at catalysing a collaborative blueprint for success.
Kubheka said:
"For instance, wedding venues and child-centric entertainment are scarce in townships compared to suburbs. We aspire to expand beyond mere shopping malls and tap into the vast opportunities that await," Kubheka emphasised.
Figures including Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Mmusi Maimane, Ahmed Motara, Lekau Sehoana, Bulelani Balabala, Suren Naidoo, Godiragetse Mogajane, Itumeleng Mothibeli, Orin Roesstorff, Loyiso Vatsha, and Rita Zwane, among others, are slated to make appearances throughout the programme.
