YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Sub-Saharan Africa has the fastest population growth projected between now and 2050 and the highest youth population in the world. With struggling economies Africa has to invest in mobilising its youth to participate in their economies and governments on the continent have no choice but to factor the youth population into its social development agenda. With challenges of unemployment, countries such South Africa with almost 50% of unemployed youth and Nigeria’s 13%, there is no doubt that entrepreneurship and innovative employment strategies need to be employed. To assist us on this we are joined by: Catherine Wijnberg is the CEO of Fetola. Andile Gumbi runs Nyachengos, a video company in Durban, KZN. He recently won R600 000 for best entrepreneur. His mentor has praised his participative approach to the Tholoana programme, his pro-active marketing of his work, and new contracts to shoot some series. Teboho Nkwanyana runs The Salad Lab in Standerton, Mpumalanga, a business that packages fresh vegetables and salads for caterers and home chefs. He has made great strides with his business since commencing the programme. He is a star participant, fully engaged with working with a mentor, attending workshops, utilising the e-learning platform and other supportive. The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Development programme is a two-year programme offering specialised business mentorship, workshops, e-learning modules, as well as investment readiness support. The focus is on small entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban areas, as well as businesses that support or are owned by youth, women, and people living with disability. Primrose Z.J BimhaSamantha Ndiwalana: Fellow, Association of Allan Gray Fellows:Project Manager, Building Bridges Foundation