A new platform for Soweto entrepreneurs to interact and network with other entrepreneurs and potential funders has been officially launched.
Mbali Ngubane, representative of the launched platform called Soweto Business Club said SBC was launched to give young business individuals and start up businesses, guidance and motivation on how to sustain their business.
“SBC is regarded as a trend setter in the country with most of the things that happen in the country starting there.
“The township has a population of close to 4 million people and in the last ten years the township has experienced a massive improvement with the building of new infrastructure and the improvement of old ones.”
Ngubane said: “The spirit of entrepreneurship among Soweto residents improved immensely due to the vibe created by South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup. Various businesses, i.e. restaurants, clubs and other places of leisure have mushroomed in many townships across South Africa, with Soweto leading the pack with high standard restaurants, clubs and shopping malls.
“Since Soweto is a trend setter, it therefore makes sense to use it as a launching pad for any trend or new product that one may want to launch.
“In coming with the Soweto Business Club, we were inspired by the Young, Black and Gifted event we hosted in August and its purpose was to bring successful entrepreneurs from the humble streets of Soweto with the aspiring ones from the same neighbourhood and connect them in a network that would enable them to share ideas and tips on how to grow their businesses.”
Ngubane said with the research they conducted, they discovered that South Africa has over 25% unemployment rate and unfortunately the majority are between 18 and 35 years.
“Unfortunately, the majority of these young people have been stereotyped to look for employment, rather than doing their best to create it for themselves.
“We are therefore, in a nutshell, aiming to bring together successful entrepreneurs with the budding and inexperienced ones in the community hence the formation of the Soweto Business Club.”
