IN a bid to address the rising youth unemployment rates in South Africa, Primestars Marketing, together with its key partners have launched the third year of the innovative Step Up 2 a Start Up (#StepUp2016) national youth entrepreneurship initiative.
The key partners include Sasol, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), MTN, the Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Water Affairs and Sizwe IT, among others. This partnership demonstrates clearly how vibrant public and private sector collaboration can make a big difference in people’s lives.
“Our aim is to give learners access to relevant processes and experts in the field of entrepreneurship, using movie theatres as classrooms of learning,” said Martin Sweet, managing director of Primestars Marketing.
Following the resounding success of the media launch hosted at The Crown Reef Convention Centre in Gold Reef City, guests made up of executives representing some of the leading educational and entrepreneurial institutions in the country and media, were invited to further witness the impact of the programme first-hand by watching the film at Ster Kinekor Sandton City on Saturday, August 27. The guests were welcomed with breakfast and engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, before the film commenced.
To date, over 30 000 learners from previously disadvantaged areas have benefited from the programme aligned to a unique global social entrepreneurial approach. In the first phase of Step Up 2 a Start Up – think big, start small, act now, the focus was on the services industry. The second phase of the journey focused on the “Maker Movement”, – design it, make it, sell it.
This year’s programme: “Step Up 2 a Start Up III My Planet, My People, My Purpose – Making it my smart business!” focuses on social and environmental entrepreneurship. The programme will empower, prepare and upskill youth by inspiring them to build a team with the right people on their side, find mentors, develop a network, be optimistic and never give up. This project is geared to encourage learners to realise their true potential and equip them with the necessary tools to overcome the day-to-day challenges of running and growing a successful business. Learners will leave with a greater awareness of environmental and social issues; and learn to do more with less and participate meaningfully in tomorrow’s collaborative economy.
In case you missed it:
Free maths and science revision sessions in cinemas
Entrepreneurship and networking event for the youth
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