Rabie Ridge local teen makes waves through entrepreneurship

Eighteen-year-old Bathabile Nthabu has been chosen as one of the finalists for Miss Teen Social Entrepreneur South Africa 2019 held at Carnival City in Boksburg, representing Rabie Ridge.

Miss Teen Social Entrepreneur South Africa is a female youth empowerment and entrepreneurship programme which, according to their website, aims to identify young women who epitomise the key qualities of leadership, talent, motivation and the celebration of inner beauty, individuality, diversity and womanhood.

Nthabu said her journey as a young female entrepreneur only started in July, “It was not something that I was looking into as a career but after the opportunity came I grabbed it, and it happened to be something I liked at the end.

“I was a semi-finalist in July, then managed to become a finalist after having to raise a minimum of R1 500 and submit a one -page business proposal. We were given a period of two weeks.

To raise the money, she decided on a Kids Festival at the Rabie Ridge Stadium, “I managed to raise around R1 400. I then increased the money by asking for donations, polishing peoples shoes, washing cars, babysitting which earned me a sum total of R1 630.”

She added that the experience has been challenging, but mostly fun. “I met interesting people, learned a lot I did not know about myself and how to work with people.

“Our guides were our sponsors who taught us more about business, and the world of entrepreneurship.”

She also encouraged the youth to try their hand at entrepreneurship, “Considering the fact unemployment is at a high and we are faced with a challenge where young people are sitting home with qualifications, [I would] encourage them to open their own businesses.

“Entrepreneurship is very broad, one can do anything and be creative rather than follow a certain career which is limiting.”

The crowning will take place at the grand finale at Carnival City on 29 September. “The winner will be announced followed by the first and second runner-up.

She explained that there is also a prize for the contestant who has received the most ‘likes’ for pictures they posted on social media.

Nthabu and her peers have been challenged to raise R3 000 by 29 September. Anyone wants to get involved and help her reach this goal can phone 061 851 5310 or 066 180 6496 to donate.

Details: Miss Teen Social Entrepreneur South Africa www.missteensesa.co.za

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