Rhiza Babuyile recently celebrated nine entrepreneurs who completed the Vuka Entrepreneurship Programme at our Stellenbosch Business Hub in Cape Town, and to top it off, each graduate was granted R12 500.00 to assist them grow their businesses.
In partnership with Experian, the Vuka Entrepreneurship Program began in 2021 with the goal of aiding entrepreneurs in growing their enterprises. This is a 6-month program designed to help entrepreneurs build their businesses through masterclasses, business coaching, and other interventions. Because the focus was on start-ups, the initial cohort’s goal was to have them compliant and functioning correctly.‘The level of commitment was enough for me because if one starts to show that the person wants to be a part of the winning team,’ said Thabang Khumalo, Project Manager for Township Fleva.
‘The Entrepreneurs really worked hard during the course of the programme and were very disciplined when it came to showing up for their coaching, masterclasses, and training workshops,’ Makaziwe Hlatshwayo, Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme Project Coordinator, who worked closely with the entrepreneurs,. ‘I hope they put everything they’ve learned to good use and continue to assist their communities thrive’.
‘I have learned a lot about business – from how start a business, what you need to start a business, what you must look at when you’re going to start a new business and how to how to make sales.’ said Nthabiseng Thelejane, one of the graduates. ‘The Vuka program provides you with supportive people who will guide you through the various stages of the business.’
Another graduate, Yondela Tyawa, said, ‘The Vuka program was a fantastic experience to be a part of. It has taught me a lot, including the need of reviewing debt because it may cause future credit issues. I was also mentored, which was quite beneficial. Phindile Tshabangu, my mentor, is a wonderful guy to work with; he is always willing to help when you need it.’
The Vuka Entrepreneurship Program is now accepting new applicants. We encourage young people to participate in this program in order to get empowerment.
