By Neo Kolane
Vodacom Lesotho has introduced a competition called ‘Local Brands & Threads’ to help grow local capacity to service demands from corporate companies, NGOs, and the government.
The competition, which closed for the registration phase on 22 October, is now in the second phase.
In the second phase, the public vote on social media for their preferred brand. Over several weeks, there will be eliminations of less popular brands.
‘Local Brands & Threads’ sponsored by Vodacom is a competition aimed at empowering small businesses in the clothing sector.
The principal specialist of marketing and digital at Vodacom, Sekonyela Matamane said that it was important to note that all finalists will be trained on how to use internet platforms to run and grow their businesses.
Matamane said evaluation of participating brands focuses on three key attributes.
“Longevity … clothing brands must have been in operation before January 2020,” said Matamane.
“This is to ensure that the competition serves entrepreneurs who were intentionally in this clothing business prior to COVID-19 challenges … the ones who were actively trading and would have been affected by the imposed lockdown.”
Matamane said the second aspect was that of brands that are unique and have a strong standing in society.
He said the proven presence or customer knowledge will also be checked in terms of online presence, and social media pages activity.
Matamane said the third requirement is that the “brand should be owned by Lesotho national(s)”.
He said all finalists will receive 20GB business internet monthly, for a period of 24 months.
The brands will be competing for a share of cash prizes to the tune of M200, 000 and the ultimate brand will be included in a future date Vodacom Lesotho photoshoot.
Matamane told theReporter that by scaling up the small-medium enterprises, “we are aiming to drive more economic activity in support of these entrepreneurs, which will also have a positive impact on unemployment”.
