Zinhle Mayabane said young people should be innovative to create their own jobs and financially support themselves, instead of waiting for employment.
This young woman established a craft business using her NFSAS money.
She advised young people to look for what is needed in their communities and make use of the opportunity to supply it. Over and above her craft business, she is now collaborating with her sister to make personalised mats out of grass and sweet wrappers and selling them. This does not even cost any money to start up, as she collects the grass from the nearest bush and collects the wrappers, which many consider litter and simply thrown away.
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“Young people need to understand that the times we are living in are difficult. The economy is not doing well and most companies are not hiring. They need to come up with new ideas to survive. Some of the small businesses do need money to start with, but by simply being creative, there are opportunities for those who have no money,” she said.
“I am doing these mats with my sister with my bare hands, something that our grandmother used to do. We have modified them to a new style and we are am earning an income from just being creative, innovative and looking around. Making an income needs someone who is disciplined and prepared to work even during odd hours.”
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She said litter such as cans and plastic are dumped daily and can be repurposed into something people will buy. However, she said those planning to start a business need to do their research before and be determined. “Young people can learn to be independent, creating their own jobs and not depending on others. Start small and grow from there,” she advised.
Great advice from an industrious young person, proving that diligence and vision can indeed make dreams come true!
One of the highlights for her was that she was invited to design for a national celebrity who came to Mkhuhlu for a music concert, to get some exposure for her craft, and now she is expecting orders from outside the area.
