By Lebohang Mhlongo
Vereeniging – Youth in Vereeniging have been inspired to venture into a number of entrepreneurial opportunities rather than just aspire to be employed.
National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) CEO Hlaudi Sekele said youth should invest their time wisely in activities that could be helpful to the South African economy and eradicate unemployment in the process.
He was speaking at a recent Youth Empowerment and Development Seminar at the Vereeniging Civic Centre, hosted by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Gauteng.
“South Africa’s economy requires more economically active people. When things go wrong in one sector of the economy this affects the whole country, [but] if we have [more] young people- or whatever group- putting effort into the economy then we don’t have to worry much about that specific sector, for instance the mining sector, crippling the country’s economy.
“We want the people to use the resources [available] in the country to produce something that will create a job for other people.
“Do not envy a men or woman who earns their money through employment, because the salary that they get paid is only a fraction of the profits made by their employers,” Hlaudi said.
He said young people have all the time and resources they could need, and should put these to good use.
“Have purpose, find your space and then shine in that space. Be creative... do not duplicate other people’s ideas, because there is always something you specifically [as an individual] can offer to change the complexion of the economy. That is what we [South Africa] need from our young people. Institutes like NAFCOC are here to teach you how to run a successful business, use them.”
The message of the day resonated around the youth researching, investing time, having passion and using available resources to help themselves’ and others succeed.
DimakatsoThaele, the owner of So Bling Hair and Beauty Salon, based in Vanderbijlpark, and Refiloe Selematsela – also known as Mr Ever Clean - a motivational speaker proved to the youth that success is not for the elite.
Thaele said her business has been successfully running and growing for the past four years. She said she had overcome her failures and struggles that led her to realising her long-time dream. She went on to encouraged the youth to work hard at making their dreams a success, saying that they should “never give up on their dreams, [but should rather] find it, fight for it, own it and live it”.
Joyce Maripa, 34, expressed excitement and gratitude at the information and wisdom shared by the speakers.
“Mr Hlaudi’s advice regarding counselling before venturing into any business resonated with me the most. I had a hair salon business that failed in just two months of opening, simply because I did not understand the dynamics of business.
“But after today I am encouraged and looking forward to knocking on the doors of institutes like the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and NAFCOC to get help so I can realise my dream.”
Thabo Maseko, who also attended the Youth Empowerment and Development seminar, said he was happy but mostly surprised at how much he learned. He said he had expected the seminar to be “another boring youth seminar, talking about the obvious struggles facing the youth today.
“I received very valuable advice and information here today, and the wisdom and personal experiences shared by the speakers especially Dimakatso proved to me that there is life after failure”.
Thembi Matjokana, the organiser of the event said the aim of the seminar was to inform, empower and bring opportunities to the youth to help them as future aspiring leaders.
“So many doors have been opened to the youth and we [government] want you [youth] to use them.”
Unemployment rate in SA
The unemployment rate in South Africa has become a big concern, specifically amongst young people. According to the National and Provincial Labour Market report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), in June 2014, “the unemployment rate among youth increased from 32.7% to 36.1% between 2008 and 2014”.
The current administration has prioritised youth and employment for the next five years, given the challenges that exist in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
