Young entrepreneurs making change

Jared Mbe’le a sound engineer, Martin Bouwers a former Kofifi Fm radio broadcaster and Alsenio Philander a former Rainbow Fm broadcaster has decided to bring a change in Westbury.

Mbe’le who has a company called “The Jared Company” deals with photography, publishing, and blogs among others while Bouwers and Philander work with him in running “Media Lab Productions”.

Together they aim to bring across a positive view of Westbury across to the country.

“My work includes capturing photos of positive happenings and stories from Westbury and making them known.

“There seems to be this dark cloud over our area and I want to change that because there also a lot of positive things happening within the community,” said Mbe’le.

What started off in January, Media Lab Productions started off with radio dramas and ads and have now grown into an established entity.

“We use people from Westbury to tell their stories and aim to bring out only the best from our area.

“We also work with The Jared Company and plan to eliminate the weird perspective that a lot of people have about Westbury,” said Philander.

Both companies create employment opportunities by supplying photography training, videography training and radio training to youth interested and in most cases provide remuneration.

“We welcome youth that is interested and willing to learn to come and be part of our initiative,” said Bouwers.

Bouwers who has also been very influential at the Westbury Youth Centre said they plan to have their own radio station by next year.

“Part of our future plans include establishing sound hubs in various areas in Westside and also developing more programmes for youth to learn from,” said Bouwers.

Mbe’le said he plans on starting an academy and training children in photography and sound.

“I would also like to aim for more views on my blog so that people can get the right view of Westbury without the fear of being shot at,” said Mbe’le.

The two entities partner with Westbury Youth Centre, Mashup, Investec, WRAC Events, The Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School, Westbury Secondary School and Glamorous Occasions.

For more info, you can visit their blog at www.westbury69.blogspot.com.