Youngsters to grab life by the horns
Lack of training for young people who aspire to venture into business is one of the main reasons why small businesses fail and more emphasis should be put on equipping them with this indispensable basic.
MBOMBELA – Lack of training for young people who aspire to venture into business is one of the main reasons why small businesses fail and more emphasis should be put on equipping them with this indispensable basic.
This is according to a number of young entrepreneurs who attended the Mbombela Blazing Entrepreneurs Seminar hosted by Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM), Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), Mefoces Foundation and the Young Professional Entrepreneurs.
Mr Zonke Mahlangu, founder and CEO of Khaya Business, said seminars like these helped prospective entrepreneurs to gear up for successful businesses that would contribute to the province’s gross domestic product.
“Some people have brilliant business ideas, but they concentrate too much on getting funding while neglecting the most crucial part of business, which is training, especially on the management side,” said Mahlangu, adding that Mefoces played a great role in building prosperous enterprises.
According to Mefoces’ CEO, Mr Emmanuel Maema, the key purpose of the seminar is to incorporate entrepreneurial skills to young people in Mbombela.
“We’re targeting the young and unemployed who have a passion for business and want to run their own companies one day.
It incorporated young entrepreneurs who are already in business, but lack business development and those who are doing well in their companies were also part of it to share information with those in need,” he added.
Maema, who is very passionate about young budding business owners, took the time to engage them, answering all their questions about business.
MEGA CEO, Mr Xola Sithole gave it a thumbs up and encouraged the aspiring entrepreneurs to give it their best shot.
“In the midst of failure, try and never stop trying. The life of an entrepreneur is risky and requires focus and resilience,” he told them.
Sithole further encouraged young people to watch this space for a big announcement to be made soon and to take advantage of opportunities.
“Nothing will come to you on a silver platter. Go and get it,” Sithole said.
MLM’s corporate services manager, Mr Dan Mabuza warned the entrepreneurs about the importance of paying tax.
“Don’t get excited and take all the money you make and spend it all on flashy cars because SARS will be on your back,” said Mabuza.
