24 Apr 2013

One of the elements that can help an individual to be a successful entrepreneur is to identify what business one wants to venture into.

They should also be passionate about the business of their choice and be determined to thrive against all odds.

Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) programme beneficiary, Mr Phillip Mhlanga said this during the youth empowerment workshop hosted by the Institute of Health Sciences in Francistown recently.

The workshop was attended by youth who registered for YES programme in January but did not go for the boot camp.

Giving  a key note address, Junior Chamber International official, Mr Lesego Kwambala called on youth to stive to be succesful entrepreneurs.

Mr Kwambala said the knowledge shared would empower the youth to prosper and urged them “to rise and shine for their time is now”.

Youth were also encouraged to change their minsets and be hopeful in their business endevears.

Mr Kwambala also advised the young people to associate with inspirational people to gain motivation for success.

Inspiration, she said, helps an individual to cultivate certain abilities, strengths and talents, which when combined revives one’s goals, vision and purpose.

“We definitely ought to make things happen, we cannot afford to fail, it is our lives at stake, let us make it happen and show the world what we are capable of becoming,” he stressed.

Thirty-year-old Mr Oteng Matake, who wants to start an entertainment company said the workshop has inspired him to keep focussed on his vision.

Another beneficiary, Ms Onalenna Meja who wants to open a casket manufacturing company, now believes that it is possible that she will own her own business.

 “I wanted to quit because of the wrong perception that could arise of a woman owning a casket manufacturing company.

Thanks to this workshop, the wrong mind set has been cleared and now I see a feasible idea,” she said.

For Ms Kelerile Letsholathebe, who dreams of establishing an advertising agency which will market various companies through a number a mediums such as print media, video shooting and sound shooting, applauded the ministry for what she described as “a successful workshop that has had impact.”

“I believe my idea of coming up with an advertising company will be a success,” she said.

The objective of the workshop was to equip youth with the requisite skills for generation of quality business ideas and proposals for ultimate submission to the Youth Development Fund, and to identify business opportunities and projects which the youth can engage in.

It was also intended to help youth understand government and the regulatory framework with regard to business and appreciate government’s support machinery geared towards the youth. ENDS