Kathabo Trading
What does your company do?
Kathabo Media is a 360 Communications and Marketing Company majoring on Event Production. Our
comprehensive range of services are backed by some of the most innovative minds in the industry. The
assortment includes corporate events, exhibitions, and corporate golf days, anchored on corporate
communications and media relations headed by our media team.
The Bloemfontein-based company has gained prominence through excellent delivery creating a new platform of in-house conceptualization and managing its own branded network of events, exhibitions, and marketing. Our collaborations are directed at establishing lasting partnerships strategically meant to leave legacies within the Sector.
We have a diverse inventory list that powers the work that we curate. From human capital to resources such as audio visuals; event infrastructure; Videography and photography as well as décor, we build campaigns from creative conceptualization to implementation; ensuring that the end-product is a brand that any client wants to be associated with.
The Kathabo Group comprises of full-time personnel across all sectors. 80% of the workforce is female, while 20% is male.
What is your biggest success?
We have now been in business for about 13 years and we were able to survive Covid 19. Over approximately the past 13 years, we have been able to successfully employ approximately 160 people, a combination of permanent and temporary employees.
We launched the largest golf event in the Free State and continue to do so today. Now known as Kathabo Golf Day, it was once known as Macufe Golf. Since its inception fifteen years ago, the golf day has continued to thrive.
The Industrial Entrepreneur Week, which takes place in Bloemfontein, was founded by us. The three-day workshop addresses concerns and opportunities in the following industries:
Day 1: Agriculture & Technology (AgriTech)
Day 2: Mining Energy
Day 3: Marketing and Tourism
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Declining demand and shifting client needs: In 2020 all our bookings vanished overnight. Now, clients are still hesitant to commit to large-scale events, or they're demanding hybrid or virtual options that require entirely new skill sets and technology investments.
Diminished working capital and access to finance: Getting a loan now feels impossible. Lenders are still wary of businesses in our 'high-risk' sectors, and even with a solid business plan, I feel like I'm at a disadvantage because I'm a small, women-owned business.
Limited networking and mentorship opportunities: We are not exposed to many network sessions in the Free State, where we might be inspired and meet with people from diverse businesses. It further restricts the opportunities to which we are exposed.
Consumer hesitancy and the ongoing economic downturn: We work closely with the government, and the province hasn't had any stability with its municipal and provincial ministries for the last three years. That has interrupted the flow of work within the province
