Entrepreneurs graduate with business skills
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality's mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi said the graduation is an indication that youth owned businesses are making a difference in the community.
Esayidi TVET College’s Business Incubator celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony since its establishment in 2015, at Margate Hotel recently. Twenty five entrepreneurs graduated after been given an opportunity to develop their business skills with the incubation programme.
Since its inception over 500 SMMEs have been equipped with business development services by the Incubator and have been supported by various stakeholders which include Idwala Carbonates, Small Enterprise Development Agency, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, National Youth Development Agency(NYDA, among others.
The incubation programme is aimed at stimulating growth in cross-cutting (mixed-sector) SMMEs and to inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship among students and graduates. It focuses on the theoretical aspects of business development and assists with the practical aspects of businesses development which include product development and provision of space for SMMEs to develop their businesses, as well as links to markets and access to funding.
RNM mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi said he was glad to be invited to such an occasion. “This graduation is an indication that in our district we have youth owned businesses that are making a difference in the community. These businesses will re-address the issue of unemployment, not only in RNM but in the country. As the municipality we will continue supporting the college’s programme,” he said.
Idwala Carbonate’s, Vusi Zuke said he was proud of the graduates. “Idwala has been part of the incubation programme for 18 months and will continue supporting it. We are looking to increase the numbers we take in under our mentorship from 10 to 30 in the future.
“During the course of the programme, we have been working closely with them, however, not all were able to make it to graduation. We will continue assisting them until they meet all the requirements for graduation.”
Zuke said they will monitor the graduates and make sure that their businesses survive after graduation.
The graduates thanked the college and stakeholders for the opportunity to be part of the programme.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
