Major boost for entrepreneurs
Programme targets unemployed youth around Buffalo City
Fifty young business entrepreneurs will get the opportunity of a lifetime through Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Bizniz in a box (containers) programme. It has been set up for unemployed youths from Mdantsane, Gompo and Zwelitsha. In 2018, 380 youths participated, with 46 becoming business owners employing an estimated 23 people in their communities. The programme draws in youths who have a matric but are unable to further their studies. It is run for youths who are passionate about community development. In the Eastern Cape, the programme began in Port Elizabeth last year and expanded to Mthatha and now to the Buffalo City region. The project’s enterprise development manager, Akhona Sishuba, said they had planned to focus on Mdantsane and Gompo. Then Buffalo City Municipality and the office of the premier requested they expand the programme to Zwelitsha where unemployment was high. Entrepreneurs can access a loan of up to R80,000 for operational costs. Sishuba said: “The programme aims to absorb youths who are willing to think outside the box and have a passion for business, with a vision to change the economic landscape.” Sishuba said successful applicants must reside in one of the three townships, have access to electricity, have insurance and reach a minimum income target of R20,000. “We want someone who is dedicated and will be working at the shop, whether it’s an internet cafe, or spaza, but will constantly be hands-on in the business,” she said. “After the six months incubation process is complete, the containers/shops will then be handed over to successful entrepreneurs who meet predetermined performance criteria,” she added. The programme involves the selection, training, participation and eventual economic independence of a cross-section of township She report by The said: “A Euromonitor International Africa Rising Megatrend revealed that informal convenience shops, popularly known as spazas, contribute an estimated R7bn to South Africa’s economy and possibly more. The research highlighted the need to recognise the significant role played by spazas in the retail chain and in communities. “Youth unemployment is at a staggering 54.7%, a crisis we cannot ignore so we have to find solutions that will work and uplift communities,” said Sishuba. Among those present were residents from Sweetwaters, Bhisho,, who expressed their frustration excluded at being from the programme. However, Sishuba said while the initiative was being launched in the city for the first time, it could possibly grow into including other areas if the government boosted the programme with additional funding.