PARYS ENTREPRENEURS BUILD THE SKILLS TO COMPETE FOR LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
Parys – 9 November 2026
Local entrepreneurs in Parys have spent the past few months learning how to price fairly, tender with confidence and build businesses that last. The two-phase skills development programme set out to strengthen their compliance and commercial skills, so that local businesses are more competitive and the wider community is better placed to take part in future economic opportunities.
“Building on the foundational compliance and business management skills introduced during the first phase in July, this follow-up training gave participating entrepreneurs more in-depth, practical knowledge to help them navigate procurement processes, prepare competitive tenders and identify opportunities to grow their businesses,” said Keatlaretse Senoamere, Social Specialist at Damlaagte Solar, funders of the programme.
An independent training company facilitated the sessions and used real-life examples to keep the content practical. Participants covered the basics of tendering, resource analysis, cash flow, and how to draw up a project management chart for a tender submission, offering participants plenty of practice exercises until the methods were clear. The course ended with a written exam.
Parys local, Richard Seshuba of Vuyo Investment Services attended. “These three days gave us a better understanding of tendering procedures, pricing strategies and what it takes to prepare a competitive, professional tender submission,” he said. “We are especially thankful for the opportunity. The skills we have gained will help us as we pursue new opportunities and grow our company responsibly.”
The programme also prepares participants for opportunities in the renewable energy, government and private sectors, including those linked to the solar facility’s operational phase later this year.
Senoamere explained that the company hopes the training help ensure local entrepreneurs understand their business costs, price their products and services correctly, make a profit, stay competitive and build sustainable, financially compliant businesses.
“We had noticed that some businesses were pricing themselves too high on RFQs, which meant they could not compete with others. This training is meant to change that. We aim to create long-term benefits for the local businesses we support, as well as the broader economy,” concluded Senoamere.
