Young minds in business

The focus for this year’s African Renaissance Festival will be on youth entrepreneur development.

The festival will take place at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre from May 2326 and is part of the Africa Month celebration.

At the launch in Durban yesterday, Prof Sihawukele Ngubane, vice-chairperson of the African Renaissance Trust, said: “Development of the youth as entrepreneurs plays an important part in Africa’s future. The conference aims to give the delegates examples of business successes to aspire to.”

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu said the festival was an important tool to create awareness of Africa and its diversity, especially in the light of the recent xenophobic violence.

Now in its 17th year, the African Renaissance Festival is a celebration of progress and opportunity on the African continent.

James Nxumalo, the mayor of eThekwini, said the conference was central to enhancing social economic growth of people in the region.

“The festival also promotes opportunities for our youth that are available through obtaining college and university bursaries to international institutions.”

Speakers expected to take part in the conference leg of the festival include the consulate-general of the US, Frances Chisholm, and the consulate-general of India, Rajagopalan Raghunathan.

The festival will conclude with an Africa Day concert and feature, among others, award-winning gospel star Sfiso Ncwane and Toya Delazy.

Picture: Reinhardt Hartzenberg NEW OPPORTUNITIES. KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu and African Renaissance chairperson Prof Sihawu Ngubane during the press launch of the African Renaissance Conference to be held in Durban later this month as part of Africa Month.