An enterprise initiative born out of public-private partnership, which was designed for youth in townships to become fully-fledged entrepreneurs, has been expanded to reach more youth in the Free State.
The Bizniz in a Box project has now been rolled out in the following municipalities: Maluti-a-Phofung, Dihlabeng, Ngwathe and Setsoto, as well as in the Mangaung Metro.
The intake for this year is 81, adding to last year’s 42 and pushing the total number of participants in the province over the 100 mark.
The initiative, a partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the provincial Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), is aimed at maximising youth participation in the economy and enabling the youth to benefit from township economy spin-offs.
Niche markets explored range from tuckshops to fast food outlets, carwashes, shisanyamas and mobile kitchens.
The expansion of the initiative followed its successful piloting in other areas of this province, as well as other provinces, since 2016. It is envisaged it will nurture business skills and curb the youth unemployment rate in South Africa, presently at 63,9% for those aged 15 to 24.
Lisa Calls from Bethulie and Xoliswa Mnintyani from Freedom Square, Bloemfontein, are among the youth in the programme. Both run mobile fast food kitchens they received from stakeholders. They initially ran their business from home.
“It has helped greatly, enabling me to reach a wide range of customers and growing my brand. We could only cater for customers within my vicinity before,” said Calls.
Beneficiaries who make strides win prizes.
Partners provide mentorship to candidates to ensure they become fully-fledged entrepreneurs and are capable of in turn creating job opportunities. They also provide incubation and resources.
“The department is committed to continuing its support and partnering with the private sector to support SMMEs for sustainability, job creation and job retention,” said Makalo Mohale, MEC for Destea.
