SA unemployment rate at 35,3%: This Finsbury man has a plan

A Finsbury man has a plan to give young people a chance at a brighter future.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Neo Kunene, 26, who is a local entrepreneur, said he wanted to create a platform for marketing and promoting the businesses and brands of youngsters in an effort to empower them.

He said after realising that many young people were unemployed, and some were turning to crime and abusing drugs and alcohol for solace, he decided to make a change.

According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate was 35,3% in the fourth quarter of 2021.

By marketing and promoting any brand by the youth and giving them exposure, I believe that many can grow and plough back into their communities and help to bring about brighter futures,” Neo said.

He said among other challenges that the youth of the West Rand faced was the lack of support; especially when they’re starting up their enterprises, or simply are small-time artists with humble beginnings.”

“My aim is to break this chain by bringing the West Rand youth together as one to push one movement and one vision,” he said.

As an entrepreneur, Neo said support is the vital and a very important element of building an economy and empowering lives, if communities choose to invest in each other.

My overall goal is to change unemployment amongst the youth; help change lives for the better; and reduce the rate of drug abuse amongst the youth by supporting their dreams and goals, and assisting them to achieve it.”

In his message to the youth, Neo said, “Life may be challenging at times, but it doesn’t mean that we should give up; by working together, circumstance around us can be changed for the better.

“I believe that by supporting each other we can achieve all the goals we’ve set for ourselves, which will lead to financial freedom and economic change not only for us, but for others in the future.”