Local entrepreneur grabs major business title

Japhta Mokoko, a Randfontein entrepreneur, has won the Global Entrepreneurship Week’s Business Plan Competition.

The competition, which took place this month in Johannesburg, is currently in its seventh year. It is for aspiring young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35. It aims to have a positive impact on promising South African entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between simply having an idea and actually launching a business.

The competition is free to enter and entrepreneurs take part in workshops across the country. Once the workshops are completed, the entrants are invited to submit their business plans to the competition judging panel.

Japhta is an artistic glass designer and manufacturer and started his business after identifying a large gap in his local market for decorative sandblasting.

He has been sharpening his skills at the craft since 2008 and in 2016 he took the first step towards starting his own business by taking a course in business management.

“Japhta’s business plan was selected because, while he is extremely passionate about his business, he also understands the need for commitment and hard work, which is vital for success,” said Christo Botes, executive director at Business Partners Limited.

The competition is not yet at an end for Japhta – eight regional winners from across the country will still be selected over the next two weeks. They will all then contend for the overall national title, which will be announced at a Johannesburg awards ceremony during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.

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