Ekurhuleni Youth Economic Summit tackles important issues

The summit was officially opened by MMC for Finance and Economic Development Clr Doctor Xhakaza on June 12 and it ran for four days until June 15.

Speakers from different universities and successful business people were invited to offer advice to the youth who attended.

The youth were encouraged to choose an area of interest at school that will enable them to become successful business people.

They were also taught about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and about opportunities that lie within social media and the internet.

It was emphasised that young people must use the internet and social media productively as few companies nowadays look at CVs only before deciding who to employ but instead also check what young people post on their social media pages. Social media is where people go if they want to know the real you.

According to Sibusiso ‘DJ Sbu’ Leope, the programme director during the summit, the purpose of the summit is to encourage the youth to become job creators instead of becoming job seekers.

Leope told Kathorus MAIL the education system in the past has channelled people into becoming job seekers for a living.

“Our government is trying their best to change that mindset of the youth. That is why the Ekurhuleni Municipality came up with the idea of hosting this summit,” said Leope.

“During the duration of this summit we will have speakers who are going to help the youth to realise their full potential, who they are and what they are capable of doing or become,” said Leope on the first day of the summit.

One of the speakers, Bonginkosi ‘Zola’ Dlamini, said when they grew up in Zola township they were taught two things.

“How to commit crime and how to successfully steal cars,” Dlamini said.

“But I decided to make a decision to turn my life around because I went to school and participated in debates whereby I became a Gauteng provincial champion. I defeated learners from my school and even went to compete against learners from the schools in the suburbs. I defeated them all until I became a provincial champion,” Dlamini said.

Currently, Dlamini is an actor, businessman, successful musician and a radio DJ.

“If I am fired as a radio DJ or as an actor, I can still live out my talent as a musician and as a businessman. That is why we encourage young people to be entrepreneurs.

“If I did not do anything to turn my life around I would have been dead by now as most of my friends who continued doing crime are no more.”

Polly Sekwala, the basic learning manager of Digify Africa, spoke about the importance of image if you are a business person.

“Image is important, especially your dress code and the things that you post on social media. You must not post things on social media that will tarnish your image,” said Sekwala.

She told young entrepreneurs about a free 12-week course that they are offering to upcoming young business people.

During the course, young people will be taught how to:

• develop a brand;

• build an online community;

• connect with customers;

• use insight and analytics to improve their marketing strategy;

• create truly engaging content;

• develop their presentation skills and confidence; and

• run successful advertising.

Sekwala said the course is very fruitful.

“Application closes on June 22,” she said.

“Those who would like to apply can visit our website: www.digifyafrica.com or visit our Facebook page: Digify Africa.”

When the summit was announced through local media it stated young people who are into business will be given an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to win prizes that will assist them in growing their businesses.

More than 400 entries were submitted and were shortlisted to 80. These 80 young people were given an opportunity to pitch their business ideas on June 14.

Ten out of the 80 presented on the final day, June 15. They were given three minutes to convince the judges that their idea was the best. Three winners were and they each walked away with a R30 000 development programme, three months mentorship programme, a laptop and a free pitch of their business idea on different radio stations.

In addition, the first prize winner also walked away with a smartphone.