With 24 students on the programme, 19 different businesses have been initiated
The Transnet-funded Youth Enterprise Development Programme held at the Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre in Wiggins, Durban held their certification ceremony today, Friday 29 June. The 24 participants have started 19 business ventures, with some working together to manifest their entrepreneurial dreams. These range from making clothes, shoes and food to providing crèches, beauty salons and even venturing into construction.
Nonhlanhla Doris Mkhize, who has partnered with fellow student Simphiwe Zulu, feels confident that she now has the skills and knowledge to raise funds to develop the crèche she runs.
“The programme has taught me how to manage my small business to grow to a higher level. I have learnt that the main asset in business is money so financial management is crucial. I am going to use these skills learned on how to open a small-scale businesses as a start up in life.”
Londiwe Pearl Bhuleni has started baking a range of muffins, from vanilla to red velvet, since starting the programme and is now making birthday cakes too.
“JASA has helped me to think creatively – to come up with solutions that solve problems. Mostly, I have learned to manage money, which is what is helping me to expand.”
Participant Zinhle Meyiwa, who will be buying and selling organic food supplements, comments:
“When I heard about this course I knew it was exactly what I needed. It has been a confidence builder and a provided a wealth of information. I have also learnt how to be an ethical businesswoman, how to structure my company, how to price set and how to manage my financials.”
Penelope Mdlalose is working on a hairdressing, nail and beauty salon that will help people to look good and live a healthy life. She has learnt how to do market research and be successful in business, not to mention the importance of keeping business finance separate from your salary.
Sinethemba Nosisa Shange and Zuzani Zondi, who have started a business making and selling fast food such as fried chips, vetkoek, ox livers and other take-away items, comment that they have learned to stand on their own feet and start a business.
“JASA encourages us to do everything well and has shown us how important it is to be an entrepreneur.”
