19 Nov 2018

Corporate entities and businesses have been urged to provide tutorial services to new businesses, especially those owned by the youth who have just ventured into the business world.

Addressing guests at Limkokwing University students’ classic exhibition themed Corporate Night Out at Fairgrounds recently, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said it was important that well established businesses played a leading role in nurturing young and promising entrepreneurs.

Ms Kenewendo noted that by so doing the companies and establishments would be providing Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR), which was  expected from them. She added that the companies would also equally benefit from varying ideas from such new comers in the industry.

The minister congratulated the event organisers, Optimum 16 Events,  a group of 16 final year students who came together and formed a company which is yet to be registered.

Members of the company specialise in various skills and trades such as tailoring, confectionary, events management, conference and events production services, events and conference planning services, branding and print production services, boardroom solution and PA sound system among others.

Minister Kenewendo noted that the students came up with the idea that could be nurtured to champion and address youth unemployment.  

She praised members of the Optimum 16 Events as they were able to persuade partners and sponsors for the exhibition, a sign that they were committed in their project.

“Authorities should never shun young initiatives like this one because it is only through them that they can instill a sense of business acumen in the youngsters,” she said. 

Ms Kenewendo said the corporate world should also devote part of their time to assist aspiring enterpreneurs. She advised them that they should register their company.

One of the well-known local business magnate, Mr Abdul Rahman El-Kindy, owner of the RMC Marketing Solution, told the audience that he had been involved with Optimum 16 Events from its infancy because the students did not shy away from soliciting ideas.

Mr El-Kindy noted that he had been offering free tutorials and business advice since 1980s and that he continued to offer it because it would be selfish and unrealistic to keep such important knowledge to himself while there were those who  needed it. He said companies should devote 25 per cent of their time to attend to the needs of young entrepreneurs.

He said he was optimistic that the students would do well in their final examinations looking at the quality of products they exhibited. The sentiment was equally buttressed by Limkokwing University Vice Chancellor, Dr Gape Kaboyakgosi.

One of the Optimum 16 Events member, Ms Boitumelo Marera said they wanted to have a positive outlook to the public, noting that the event was organised to create a platform for the youth to showcase their talent, hence they invited the business community. 

She said since they acquired insurmountable skills during their long journey into the project, they were ready to venture into the business world although they were aware of the challenges in the business field. ENDS