Great opportunity for entrepreneurs

The hub aims to assist unemployed youths find employment through Rhiza Babuyile’s network of sponsors, as well as support entrepreneurs who have set up their own small businesses.

Rhiza Babuyile is a non-profit organisation that strives to holistically develop previously disadvantaged township communities. Entrepreneurs from the area can approach the organisation with an idea or niche opportunity they have identified, and Rhiza Babuyile will provide mentorship and financing. Entrepreneurs have a three-month grace period before they are required to start repaying the loan, and thereafter they have 12 months to pay it back in full.

Chairman of Rhiza Babuyile, Alef Meulenberg said, “The hub will help to develop the community and bridge the income and poverty gap… This should decrease the negative socio-economic effects of unemployment.

“Normally learnerships and bursary opportunities are given to academic students with great marks, we saw a gap within the communities where there is a great amount of talent among the youth, but a lack of opportunities for those who are not academically inclined.”

The project is an example of a successful public-private partnership where international public organisations partner with local corporates in order to bring about change to the lives of local communities.

“Skills development is very close to our hearts and we pride ourselves on supporting such initiatives,” managing director at Experian SA Michelle Beetar said.

“In addition to Experian SA’s financial contribution, the company’s employees will provide participants with career counselling as well as basic credit and financial education. This will equip them with the knowledge they need to become credit and financial savvy and to manage their finances responsibly,” Beetar said.

Ashley Veasey, chief information officer for Barclays Africa Group Limited, pointed out that providing access to technology and skills is critical in developing people across the continent, and that by partnering with communities, start-ups and business stakeholders, the organisation aims to kick-start a thriving innovation ecosystem in Africa.

“We are not only investing in a great idea that we believe will empower and equip this community. We are investing in our future by developing the technology leaders of tomorrow,” Veasey said.

Rashuping Morake, chief operations officer at Rhiza-Babuyile described the Jozi Business Hub as a life-changing opportunity. “This is an opportunity for the unknown, unrecognised, underestimated and undermined in a community filled with people who have the potential of becoming the next Mark Zuckerberg.”