The unemployment rate for the youth is even higher.
A workshop was held on Wednesday 29 June at the Multipurpose Hall in the Bela-Bela Township.
Representatives from the National Youth Agency (Nyda), Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), the local economic development forum (LEDF), Absa Bank and other stakeholders were present to focus on ventures that can benefit the youth of the local community in their search for job opportunities.
The key focus was to promote entrepreneurship and how the youth can obtain funds to make their ventures viable.
Gloria Seleka, Bela-Bela mayor, said that the municipality continues to promote sustainable livelihoods for every resident in the area.
“The unemployment rate amongst the youth is at record levels. None of us can sit around and hope for a miracle to happen. We have to make the change. This is why government and the private sector needs to build a strong base of support for young entrepreneurs and make the risk associated with a new venture smaller.”
“People affected by unemployment must look beyond their personal circumstances, realise that there are opportunities available. If the youth can become motivated and have a better self esteem, they can grow in confidence and soon will have the aptitude to drive their own businesses. From there they can become employers and soon unemployment will be eradicated.”
Gabriel Phasha, LEDF chairperson said, that the municipality is able to provide institutional support, but does not determine the economic climate necessarily.
“The LEDF have members from the agricultural, small- and medium enterprises, the informal sector, tourism, construction and the mining sector, to name a few. Partnerships can be formed within a framework that is inclusive.”
It is Phasha’s belief that people from the informal sector is not necessarily used to attend meetings, it is thus for their own benefit to attend LEDF meetings. They can obtain knowledge of funding, develop skills and build up a reputation by being part of the development structures.
According to Nyda’s representative, anyone from between the ages of 14-35 can apply for grants ranging from R1 000 to R250 000 to set up a business venture.
Seda assists those enterprises that employ five and more staff members.
The basic criteria for applicants who apply for funding is that they are not part of a non-profit organization or company and must be unemployed.
Various training programmes are on offer, such as how to participate in the local economy, skills development, business support, market research, managing taxes, bookkeeping, how to do a sales pitch, business registration, financing and assistance in how to import and export products.
Seleka said the digital age has empowered everybody by having information readily available on websites.
“Perseverance is the key. The fact that you have to be on time for any engagement already teaches you how to respect time. Because business is about time management, you are more likely to be successful if you are punctual.”
Respective applicants can visit the various organizations’ websites, apply and make sure that they adhere to the criteria.
