Networks the route to success
AVELILE NONTANDA, who hails from Mthatha, is innovative, ambitious and more importantly a South African millennial leader.
Nontanda knows what struggle is, and he knows the taste of success too.
Nontanda’s journey began when he relocated to Cape Town in pursuit of a tertiary education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
He studied design foundation and later majored in interior design.
In the process of obtaining his interior design qualification, he envisioned a “one-stop” design brand that consisted of innovative, driven, passionate, young talented designers who were eager to learn and become entrepreneurs.
Nontanda then established a company called Mayhem Design in 2011.
Here is Nontanda’s opinion on the state of the youth and their great potential:
“Our young entrepreneurs lack self-confidence which results in failure.
“The youth has extreme potential – with rich diversity and natural talent.
“We’re also a very angry and determined generation.
“We are not scared to fight for what we believe in and what we want.
“We are socially and politically disillusioned.
“This is evident in the past years of student unrest.
“The youth have adopted an anti-establishment attitude, possibly due to the combination of their extreme potential that is undermined and socio-economic disillusionment.
“They have a lot to give, but feel that the current systems have failed them.
“So they go against authoritative figures to do it their own way.
“We, the youth, have to resolve this inner discord in order to mature into adults and leaders for South Africa.
“A majority of South African youth have the drive to become entrepreneurs because their guardians gave them an opportunity to become whatever they desired to become.
“But they still need a lot of guidance and training in order to become successful.
“The youth of South Africa need to learn to ask for help.
“The youth of South Africa need to get involved in educational programmes, entrepreneurship programmes and youth workshops.
“Young South Africans are bosses instead of leaders.
“It takes patience and understanding to be a leader.
“I am constantly looking for ways of understanding people in order to be a good leader.
“In this day and age one needs assistance and guidance from different platforms in order to operate a successful business. Here is what I have accomplished thus far in the hope that it will inspire you, fellow reader, to go out there and live your dreams: I was determined to succeed which meant that I had to break out of my shy shell and take myself seriously in order to build the empire that I always dreamed of.
“I wanted to make a mark in Cape Town and show young entrepreneurs that anything is possible if you put 100% focus and determination into what you do.
“I then decided to expand my business into the entertainment industry.
But my vision was different compared to other entertainment companies.
“I wanted to make a difference by creating a platform for young creative individuals who felt that their work was undervalued due to stereotype and prejudice.
“This is when Mayhem Design and Entertainment (Pty) Ltd and the annual Black Fridays Event was born.
“The Black Fridays Event is a platform that provides opportunities to designers to showcase their work, inspire and network.
“The Mayhem team recently staged the Womapreneur Seminar in Cape Town.
“This forum was to help inspire and empower women.
“The ‘womapreneurs’ shared their stories which included challenges that they faced in the working environment and how they overcame them.
“The Mayhem team assisted PR House of Creatives with marketing the event on social media and marketing material (banners and poster designs).
“The event was a huge success that left people inspired and ready to ‘take themselves seriously’ in order to be taken seriously by other people.”
Currently Avelile and his team are working on Black Fridays IV which will be held in Cape Town in September.
There will be a limited number of people who will be allowed to attend this exclusive event.
The details will be released soon.
Stories of Hope is a partnership between TYI and TPA.
Comment on Avelile’s story of hope by following @theyoungindy on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Contact Avelile: Email: avelile@mayhemde. com
Facebook: Avelile Olothando Nontanda