Township economy continue to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to its contribution towards the broader economic growth in the country. With the current rate of youth unemployment which is at a below average 45,5% according to StatsSA, young individuals in townships are left with little choice but to start their own business ventures, that is, if they have the means.
In concerted efforts to meet these young aspiring entrepreneurs halfway, TCTA had put out a call for applicants to take part in the inaugural organisation’s Young Entrepreneurship Development programme. The programme aims to empower small businesses operating at TCTA’s project areas. This is part of TCTAs commitment to uplift communities in which they operate.
Based on many of the impressive business plans received by TCTA, only three could be accommodated at this point. The individuals who will be benefitting from this programme are: Thato Phasha, Dimakatso Morwa and Fundiswa Zulu, all operating their businesses at Springs, a community closer to the Acid Mine Drainage project- Eastern Basin (AMD).
Phasha, 32, is into pig farming. According to him, he never took the business seriously as it was initially his father’s passion. His father would often instruct him to assist in taking care of the stock, and with time, he started developing an interest in the business. “After gaining some interest in pig farming, I looked into the internet to learn more about the business aspect and through thorough research I knew that I wanted to grow my own stock,” he said. Currently, Phasha owns five pigs and operates a
small butchery and a ‘buy and braai’ business in the area.
Dimakatso Morwa, is a self-taught nail technician who runs a beauty shop in the area. The 34-year-old operates her business at the back yard of her parents’ home. She started doing people’s nails in 2010 as a hobby, but in 2020 she took a leap of faith and officialised the business, now, four years later the business has a potential to grow further. “I am thankful to TCTA for their generous support, I always wanted to expand my business including hiring staff, getting a bigger space and adding more services to the business. With this funding I am confident that this will now become a reality sooner than I thought”, said Morwa.
Fundiswa Zulu operates a poultry business, mostly selling eggs. The 30-year-old was close to tears when she heard the news that her business plan had been approved for funding. “It was not an easy business to start, however, seeing that the job market in the country was a challenge, in 2022, I decided to try my luck in the business. Starting out small in my room with support from my grandparents, I managed to get to where I am,” she said. Fundiswa also stated that she hopes her business will be able to offer
employment to more young people in her community which is struggling with unemployment. “I am hoping that this business will also encourage other young people to also start thinking of going into business. And with this assistance from TCTA I see my business going far,” she said.
One of the conditions for the beneficiaries is for them to enrol for a business-related course which TCTA will pay for. This condition is meant to assist these entrepreneurs into growing their businesses further.
TCTA CEO, Percy Sechemane has extended an invite to the beneficiaries to a signing ceremony of the contracts, cementing the relationship between TCTA and the three entrepreneurs. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the TCTA offices in the next few weeks.
