Junior Achievement South Africa is proud to announce the success of the JA Enterprise Accelerator Programme in Mamelodi, made possible by the partnership with Mastercard South Africa. The EAP initiative provided critical skills and resources to aspiring out of school female participants, enabling them to start businesses and drive community development.
Participants received training in business fundamentals, including financial management, marketing, and strategic planning, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to launch and manage their own enterprises.
Mamelodi based in Pretoria, a community with over 2.9 million residents, saw 35 young women eager to enhance existing businesses or start new ventures. Thanks to JASA’s intervention, six participants with existing businesses experienced increased sales, while 26 new businesses were formed. Notably, two participants, Masego and Ntseke Makena, started an Early Child Development Centre, crediting their ability to run a business to the skills they acquired during the JA EAP program.
“Through the JA Enterprise Accelerator Program, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of entrepreneurship education on young people in the community of Mamelodi. By providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed, we are empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities,” said Nelo Spies, Executive Director of Junior Achievement South Africa.
In addition to practical skills training, the programme offered mentorship and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Experienced business leaders and professionals volunteered their time to mentor participants, providing guidance, advice, and encouragement as they navigated the challenges of starting and growing a business.
“We are thrilled to see the positive outcomes of our partnership with Junior Achievement South Africa. By investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, we are not only supporting economic growth but also fostering innovation and creating opportunities for sustainable development,” said Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President at Mastercard South Africa.
The success stories emerging from the Youth Enterprise Development Programme demonstrate the power of investing in the potential of young people. With the support of JASA and Mastercard, youth in Soshanguve are building businesses, creating jobs, and driving positive change in their communities.
