ETHEKWINI Municipality is moving forward with various programmes to drive radical economic transformation, one being strengthening public private partnerships to accelerate service delivery and inculcate an entrepreneurship culture.
One such programme was held on 16 January at the John Makhathini Multi Media Centre in Lamontville. It saw 20 aspiring young entrepreneurs participate in the first week of the 10 month I-AM-PRENEUR incubation course.
The programme, which is a public-private partnership between the Municipality and Sasol, began last year. It started with a weeklong training course for approximately 100 youth from 13 to 17 November 2017. Thereafter, 20 aspiring entrepreneurs who displayed a passion for business were selected for the next stage of the programme.
The first phase of the 10 month journey comprises of theory, which has already proved beneficial to participants who praised the programme and the impact it will have on their lives and businesses.
Siphokazi Xaba, 29, from Lamontville said: “This programme will fulfil my dreams. I have been identifying market gaps in the township but couldn’t go any further without the knowledge, guidance and funding to purchase equipment.” Thabsile Ndlovu, 30, thanked the Municipality for the opportunity saying the programme will open many doors for them.
“We are already gaining very useful information and my business idea is already developing into something tangible.” The I-AM-PRENEUR course will provide theory until the end of March when pitching sessions will be held. All participants will receive a cash prize to be utilised to purchase equipment to kick-start their businesses. Thereafter, the practical stage of the programme will begin where they will be taken through and mentored on the daily running of a company. The joint initiative is facilitated by the Harambee organisation which has extensive experience in building solutions and innovations to tackle youth unemployment.
Nonku Mthembu from the City’s Business Support Department said the 20 businesses that will be
established at the end of the course will be showcased free of charge during the 2018 Durban Business Fair exhibition which attracts key players in the world of business to further profile their emerging business.