Ecosystem is not a buzzword but an active, dynamic force that must yield results for its intended beneficiaries.

Ecosystem is not a buzzword but an active, dynamic force that must yield results for its intended beneficiaries. It's an ongoing word, a verb.

I have been going around asking esteemed entrepreneurs what the Ecosystem means and looks like to them. My notion, which I still maintain, is that the term means different things to the Ecosystem enablers in the forefront, the beneficiaries, and those who must still be part of Ecosystem-savvy communities or networking structures.

WHAT DOES THE ECOSYSTEM MEAN TO YOU?

I've been asking this question whenever the need and opportunity arise. Below, I share uncut replies from active individuals who have created thriving ecosystems and have the profile to back it up. Who are either part of one or created one.

Occasion: Startup Grind Cape Town Chapter Event

Guest: Kieno Kammies

Location: Workshop 17 V&A

In his response, Kieno indicated that tech is his focus area. He further expanded on his involvement, mentioning as Co-Founder of Innovation City an event he curates called 'Business Speed Dating'—essentially Tinder for Business. An opportunity for tech businesses to meet potential venture capitalists or investors.

Occasion: Creative Corner Sessions

Guests: Sir Vincent & DJ Loyd

Location: 16 Lehorothi Gallery, Langa

The two have formed a brotherhood between themselves and are business partners. This statement was from one of their replies, and I found it profound. DJ Loyd continued to express the money conversation as an enabler to move with ease and an activator for our next steps. Using money as an extension to own the things we aspire, need, and want.

A different perspective from Sizwe Mbembe. Umjaka, as we all know him, identifies the ecosystem as a community where many players benefit directly from each other.

"It’s NOT mutual; in some cases, you are a mere bridge between two entities that would otherwise never interact with one another. It’s important to understand this and try to be a reliable bridge" Tyler Perry dwells on this in one of his speeches. If you have read some of my pieces before, you might have spotted me referencing him quite a few times.

Umjaka highlights, being part of an ecosystem means you must know and accept your role within the ecosystem for it to work consistently. When people overstep or don’t accept & fully understand where their contributions may end, the purpose intended might not result in its full value chain. Especially in cases where the bag (imali, moola, geld, izaka, ichankura) is bigger than just one role.

"You can be the Coach, but it’s the goal scorers that get celebrated more. That doesn’t mean the role and contribution of the Coach is overlooked or less important". Umjaka has a sports background, and he remains competitive while being a good teammate and in some cases an ally.

Of course, I had to do my own reflection as an ecosystem advocate and enabler in very small outcomes. I took a moment to reflect on my own contribution to date and my intent thereof. My focus areas are in two parts:

• Entrepreneurship
• High School learners

My commitment is paired with three of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, namely:

1. Job creation

2. Sustainable communities & cities

3. Quality education.

I am a strong believer in the importance of developing a course and committing to it. My commitment is to do my own due diligence on what opportunities align with my vision and focus areas. This way, I know where to spend my time and with whom. Share growth opportunities with my networks, giving them the option to decide whether to participate or not. And to publicly advocate for businesses with which I have done business exchanges with. I am a beneficiary of ecosystem communities.

Sometimes, receiving a nudge to apply for an opportunity is enough for a season. Being invited to an event is enough for the next season, and being nominated to deliver a keynote as a paid speaker is complementary to your growth season. And sometimes it's handing over a resource with no immediate return. That's me giving. Although I prefer investing.

In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to have a crystal-clear vision. It's a good guide to your investment. If you are clueless, get someone with a clear vision to guide you. Stay curious. Do your research. Belong to a community. Use social media effectively. Exercise post-event follow-up; the networking and conversations should be continuous. Take what is complementary to you and take action.

Remember, learning without application is incomplete. Believe in yourself!

Keep the conversation going by sharing the article, expressing your views and lastly adopting a course and do the necessary work.

"Before we are creatives, we are bodies" - Dr. Zanele Muholi.

Stay creative and co-create