South African entrepreneurs can access free soft-skills training designed to strengthen communication, negotiation, client relationships and decision-making through a virtual workshop taking place on 31 August 2026.
The initiative has been launched by Promise Twala, Founder and Chief Operations of Somkhanda Communications, to help small business owners develop practical skills that can complement access to finance and other forms of business support.
Small, medium and micro enterprises play an important role in South Africa’s economy, contributing just over 30% of GDP and employing almost 60% of the country’s workforce, according to information supplied by the organisers.
However, the experiences of entrepreneurs differ considerably, with some businesses achieving sustained growth while others continue navigating difficult operating conditions.
Through more than a decade of engagement with entrepreneurs, businesses and stakeholders, Twala identified soft skills as an area where additional support could help business owners navigate some of these challenges.
The workshop will focus on communication, negotiation, conflict management, relationship building, responding to adversity, client engagement and making decisions under pressure.
These capabilities can influence how entrepreneurs maintain relationships with customers, negotiate opportunities, respond to business challenges and manage their organisations as they grow.
As the leader of an SMME herself, Twala said the initiative is also an opportunity to share practical knowledge with other entrepreneurs navigating the business environment.
The programme does not position soft skills as an alternative to funding, investment or access to capital.
Instead, Twala believes developing the entrepreneur alongside the enterprise can help businesses make better use of the financial and commercial opportunities available to them.
Access to capital remains an important challenge for many SMMEs, but sustainable businesses also depend on the ability of entrepreneurs to manage relationships, retain clients, negotiate effectively and make decisions during difficult periods.
The free workshop therefore provides participating entrepreneurs with an opportunity to strengthen skills that can support both business sustainability and growth.
For Twala, developing these capabilities can help entrepreneurs approach challenges differently while building the confidence and relationships required to participate more effectively in the economy.
The virtual workshop will take place on 31 August 2026, with RSVPs closing at 20:00 on 27 August.
Entrepreneurs and business owners can register by emailing info@somkhandacommunicatioins.co.za or via WhatsApp on +27 65 692 1362. The workshop link will be emailed to registered participants.
