Story By: S’CELO KHUZWAYO

Twenty-Five young business people recently completed a five-day small business skills course, made possible by the Municipality. The Business Support and Markets Unit helped organise the training, which was provided by Efriam Oppelt on behalf of Shell Live WIRE South Africa, an enterprise development programme that encourages entrepreneurship among young people by promoting business awareness through training, mentoring and assistance.

The training took place at the Small Enterprise Development Agency’s Durban offices during Global Entrepreneurship Week. On completing the course the group received certificates. Nikeziwe Mthethwa said the training had equipped her with skills she would put to good use in her business, making traditional regalia and craftwork. “I started my business with no financial management know-how, but now I feel like a powerful and respected business woman with the knowledge to run a business,” she said.

Competition

The 25 were chosen for training after they had entered the Umbono Entrepreneurship Challenge competition. Mthethwa, who lives in Illovu, said, “I first heard about the idea on radio. We had to present our ideas to win selection for training. I worked well with the other participants, who helped me understand some of the things that were presented in English, a language I do not understand.” Mthethwa said she had been involved in a number of community projects, helping people with various illnesses. Others who completed the course said the training would have a big impact on their business skills.

khuzwayosc@durban.gov.za