Soweto, 25 June 2024-Mtiya Dynamics, in collaboration with Sanlam introduced comprehensive Soweto youth workshops engaging young people on diverse opportunities that aid successful skills which can support individuals and businesses in their quest for entrepreneurship development.
Mtiya announces the second installment of four seminars of youth entrepreneurship workshops to beheld at the historic June 16 Memorial Centre in Soweto on Wednesday.These workshops are specifically designed to empower and up-skill the unemployed youth in Soweto with tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s world of business. The initiative comes in the wake of the successful book launch of The Journey of the Soweto Entrepreneur since 1905 at the end of April this year, which chronicles the history of black entrepreneurship in Soweto and the evolution of various business sectors, including the financial sector, retail, taxi industry,liquor industry, sports, and the role of women entrepreneurs.
Energetic and driven youth will be enticed to a session with Dr Nyangeni Tshabalala, founder of Institute For Applied Sciences and Commerce,has been appointed as one of the key speaker at the workshops. His journey as an entrepreneur helps deprived youngsters gain access to best higher education on the continent.
More than 80 excited unemployed youth gathered at Uncle Toms Hall in Soweto last Thursday, 20 June for the launch of the workshops. Bathu Founder and entrepreneur,Theo Baloyi addressed the audience on the importance of starting businesses to eradicate poverty and unemployment.
“My fellow brothers and sisters are unemployed not because they are lazy,they have not been afforded opportunities to study like me as an accountant, I asked myself a question will I be a guy who wears fancy suits in Dubai and take care of my family while I look down on the people of Alex, my township. I have worked abroad, I was growing in my career but my reality was the same. This dawned at me I need to do something, I left my job, took my savings and built a shoe brand.I wanted to create jobs for our people.”
PAC activist, veteran writer and editor, Dr Thami Mazwai emphasised that the workshops are part of a broader initiative to address poverty,unemployment and economic disparity in Soweto, aligning with local and national efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We are thrilled to build on the momentum of our book launch by providing these essential workshops for the youth of Soweto. Our goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and create sustainable businesses that benefit the entire community.”
Karl Socikwa, Sanlam’s Group Executive, Market Development and Sustainability said, Sanlam, a leading financial services group is proud to support this initiative as part of the group’s commitment to fostering economic development and empowerment in South Africa.
“Partnering with Mtiya Dynamics on these workshops aligns with our mission to support community development and financial inclusion.
He also added: “We believe in the potential of Soweto’s youth, and these workshops will make a significant impact on the lives of young people in Soweto. We are dedicated to provide the resources and guidance they need to succeed.”
Workshop Details:
26June 2024: June 16 Memorial Centre, West Jabavu
28June 2024: Grace Bible Church, Zone 1 – Pimville
09July 2024: Soweto Theatre, Jabulani
Participants:100 youth participants per workshop
Highlights of the Workshops:
The workshops will feature a wide range of experienced entrepreneurs,industry experts, and motivational speakers who will share their insights and experiences with the participants on topics that seek to foster innovation, resilience, and economic growth within the community.
Among notable motivational speakers, Katlego Mayaphi mastermind behind Yoco app a global brand used by businesses.Youth can expect insight from Dr Tshabalala, the visionary behind the Institute For Applied Sciences and Commerce.These young entrepreneurs will each present their journeys and how they overcame challenges and succeeded.
Key Topics covered on interactive sessions will include Business Planning, Financial Literacy, Marketing Strategies, Digital Entrepreneurship including 4IR and AI, Government Support packages for youth entrepreneurs and more.
About Mtiya Dynamics:
Mtiya Dynamics is a community-focused company dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and development in communities by nurturing the entrepreneurship spirit in individuals and economic empowerment within communities such as Soweto. Through educational programs, mentorship, and community engagement, Mtiya Dynamics aims to create a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.
About Sanlam:
Sanlam is a pan-African financial services group listed on the Johannesburg,Namibian and A2X stock exchanges. Through its clusters – Retail Mass,Retail Affluent, Sanlam Corporate, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Sanlam Investment Group and Santam, the Group provides comprehensive and bespoke financial solutions to institutional clients and consumers across all market segments. Sanlam’s areas of expertise include life and general insurance, financial planning, retirement,investments, and wealth management.
Established in 1918 as a life insurance company, Sanlam has evolved into the largest non-banking financial services group in Africa through its diversification strategy. Headquartered in South Africa, Sanlam has a direct stake in financial services entities in Namibia, Botswana,Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania,Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. The Group has a footprint of insurance operations in Morocco, Angola, Ghana, Niger, Mali, Senegal,Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon,Madagascar and Lesotho. Sanlam also has business interests in India,Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
