Mpumalanga Youth seize the opportunity to ignite their entrepreneurial endeavors

Press

Johannesburg 13 September 2023 – Brand South Africa through their Play Your Part Ignite Programme, have been on a national roadshow designed for the youth to motivate and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit, nationwide. Recently the Programme was hosted in Mbombela to assist aspiring entrepreneurs based in the region with an opportunity to fine-tune their business ideas by learning how to effectively perform an elevator pitch. The event took place at The Capital, Mbombela and hosted over 200 individuals who were looking to learn a skill that would benefit their budding businesses.

From more than 40 pitches that were successfully vetted, only 20 pitches made it to the final pitching session that took place in front of the Ignite judging panel. The  panel consisted of Zazini Moli, Head of Speakers Firm,  Marcia Ratswana Business Advisor at SEDA, and Sezanele Zondi, an author and entrepreneur.

The ambitious entrepreneurs battled it out for a position in the top 3 during the pitching session. Founder of Khehla Lami, Samuel Simelane, wowed the Ignite judging panel, taking  first place and won R12 000. Samuel’s business is a general supplies and cleaning  business, whose speciality lies in cleaning services, cleaning materials suppy, purified water and personal protective clothing. Khehla Lami also makes high quality cleaning hampers available at affordable prices for students and households.

Phindile Sithole,  took second place and won R8000 with her business ‘B-Organic’, whose sole mission is to empower and elevate individuals through authentic, organic solutions that embrace natural beauty and foster self-confidence. B-Organic also specialises in manufacturing hair products. Third place winner, Zaba Mokoena secured  R5000 for her business, ‘Hers Truly’, a company that produces organic charcoal also known as briquettes. These briquettes are made from agricultural waste using predominantly recycled materials around the Lowveld area.

To find out more about the next Play Your Part Ignite Masterclass and Pitching session, visit the Play Your Part Facebook page and DM for details.

About Brand South Africa

Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, to improve its global competitiveness. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, to contribute to social cohesion and nation-brand ambassadorship.

About “Play Your Part”

Play Your Part is a nationwide programme created to inspire, empower, and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved, and start doing. A nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone.

Play Your Part is aimed at all South Africans, from corporates and individuals, NGOs and government, churches and schools, from the young to the not-so-young. It aims to encourage South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills, or goods to contribute to a better future for all.

Warm Regards

Hellen Moropa

074 327 0993

info@angelfishpr.co.za

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IS CHANGING THE GENDER LANDSCAPE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Press

Digital technologies have created new spaces for interaction and enabled new ways to connect, share experiences, work and build communities. It is estimated that by 2030 in Sub-Saharan Africa alone more than 230 million jobs will require digital skill sets. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has always been a male-dominated industry. In 2022, it was estimated that women made up only 27% of the tech industry. Even more alarming is the mere 6% of women in app development.

Unfortunately, this digital divide is exacerbated in Africa, and countries with historic or systemic socio-economic empowerment. As one of the fastest growing industries globally, it is concerning that women, who make up 50% of the workforce, make up less than 30% of ICT workers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

IYF’s digital empowerment program, Skills for Success (S4S), has been addressing this gap, giving students the opportunity to enroll in a variety of ICT courses certified by Google, including professional certificates in IT, UX Design, Data Analytics, Project Management and Digital Marketing & E-Commerce. Currently, 80% of the program’s enrolled learners are women.

Thus far, over 3000 people have enrolled in the S4S program, with more learners being onboarded as the programs expands. What has set S4S apart from many other educational ICT program is its holistic structure, which not only attends to hard skills required in the ICT sector, but also soft skills such as constructing a CV, and base-entrepreneurship skillsets, designed to provide students with the tools required to launch their own businesses. This push towards entrepreneurship addresses another socio-economic inequality – the lack of women-owned SMMEs. Women own only 36% of all small businesses worldwide, a figure that is amplified in lower-income countries.

The program has been rolled out in three African countries – South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, receiving positive responses from enrolled learners and graduates, who have embraced their newfound IT skills and entrepreneurial learning. A female Nigerian learner spoke on the course’s effect saying, “I have strong desire to share the knowledge I’ve gained with others, with a particular focus on empowering females through the transfer of these valuable expertise.”

International Women in Cyber Day (1 September) draws awareness to the gender gaps in the ICT sector and recognises the need for more diversity in the industry. The IYF is not only committed to proliferating this awareness, but more importantly, actioning sustainable change in the sector through S4S. Inequities in ICT knowledge and employment is not something that will be fixed overnight, but change will only come through methods that empower those interested in pursuing ICT with an accessible, sustainable and practical program that has a tangible impact.

And we are already seeing the results of the Skills for Success program, to date more than 1200 livelihood opportunities have been documented as well as a marked increase in the job security and earning potential of graduates. S4S’s achievements are undoubtedly changing the gender landscape of the ICT sector in Africa and moving the needle further towards a more equitable economy.

Importantly, there is a butterfly effect to S4S program. Forbes recognised that 60.2% of gender diverse companies reported increased profits and productivity, suggesting that companies that embrace gender equity are ultimately more likely to succeed, and more likely to bolster economies. With S4S providing an accessible pipeline of women learners into the ICT industry, the effect is not only the empowerment of women, but the growth of the ICT sector, whilst providing solid foundations for a strengthened economy.

Lalela Mswane is a 26 old model, public speaker, dancer and law graduate who hails from Richards Bay in the kwaZulu-Natal Province.

Announcements

Mswane has a background in the performing arts, ballet dance being her chosen discipline for the better part of her life. She describes herself as a “legal eagle with a passion for the performing arts” and in 2020, she graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Laws qualification followed by a Diploma in Conveyancing from the Law School of South Africa in 2021.
The beauty was crowned Miss South Africa 2021, was third at the 70th edition of Miss Universe and made history when she was the first black and South African woman crowned Miss Supranational in Poland in 2022.
Philanthropy is of paramount importance in Lalela’s life and this led to the establishment of the Lalela Foundation in 2020 which aims to empower children from parent-less backgrounds to soar beyond the boundaries that life has placed before them by providing mentorship programmes and running various charitable drives. She believes that “we’re blessed to be a blessing to others”.
Lalela is a proud ambassador of Lovelife NGO whose core focus is to change the lives of young people using programmes to influence positive behavioural change. Miss Mswane has a range of talents from years of theatre performing and public speaking. After years on the international stage and her public appearances she is now focusing on her modelling and career with much excitement from our local and international clients alike. She has had the honour of hosting numerous international and local events and is eager to embark on her presenting journey.

WIFE SWAP CASTING CALL

Announcements, Press

We’re looking for families to take part in the exciting social experiment series, Wife Swap.

What would it be like if you swapped homes and families with someone else? What would you learn about how other people live, or how they raise their children? Could the experience even change your life? What sort of changes would you introduce to a new family?

In this fun and informative series, wives from very different families agree to swap homes, husbands, moody teenagers, and lifestyles, to see what it is like to live in another family’s home.

This is a unique and remarkable opportunity to experience how someone makes all those day-to-day decisions.

Will it confirm that you’ve got it just right and make you feel grateful for your own family?  Or will it be an eye-opener, a major catalyst to convince you to make some long-overdue changes when you get back home?

To enter go to www.wifeswap.co.za

Proudly brought to you by SABC Education

#WifeSwapSAonS3 #S3OpenUp #OpenUpNewWorlds “

Cave Quest Season 3 Press release

Announcements

SABC Education and Superhero Media are proud to announce the launch of the third season of the action-adventure gameshow Cave Quest, and this time we’re taking it outside. The stakes, the challenges, and all the prizes just got a whole lot bigger!

Every week schools go head-to-head in a series of brain and brawn challenges based on African Heroes and Inventors who have made an impact in their communities and the world. The winning team will walk away with amazing prizes up to the value of R2000. They also stand a chance of finding bonus prizes hidden somewhere in the Secret Cave.

Each episode is themed around one African hero and the Cave Raiders (contestants) have to participate in knock-out rounds where only the last team standing gets the chance to Beat the Cave and win big. Schools will also compete in a seasonal competition to see which school can Beat the Cave the fastest.

Government Employees Pension Fund

Announcements

Are you a government pension fund holder? Or a beneficiary? If so, the (@GEPF_SA or Government Employee Pension Fund) and @SABCEducation invite you to listen, in the language of your choice, to the latest episode of the new weekly GEPF podcast that will inform and educate you about your pension and its benefits.

This will be a weekly podcast on 10 SABC Radio Stations:

Ikhwekhwezi FM, Ligwalagwala FM, Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, Radio Sonder Grense (RSG FM), Thobela FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ukhozi FM

Contact the GEPF here:

Website:    www.gepf.co.za

Facebook: Government Employees Pension Fund

X/Twitter:  @GEPF_SA

The Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun empower youth through YES Hospitality Programme

Announcements

The Houghton Hotel, a 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg renowned for its commitment to excellence in hospitality, proudly continues its ongoing partnership with Afrika Tikkun to offer the Youth Employment Services (YES) Hospitality programme. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has provided invaluable opportunities for 88 young individuals to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, fostering growth, and creating pathways to sustainable employment.

The YES Hospitality programme is a collaborative effort between The Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun, a prominent non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth in underprivileged communities across South Africa. The programme aims to equip young individuals through industry specific specialised training with practical skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the dynamic world of hospitality.

“Our commitment to this work readiness programme in collaboration with Afrika Tikkun, seeks to dispel any apprehension and nurture self-assurance among the 21-35-year-olds in our community. The effects of our efforts transcend the boundaries of both workplaces and homes, as we establish foundational support systems that bolster confidence, promote social betterment, offer learnerships, and provide introductory work exposure. These initiatives serve as the keys that unlock the path to an autonomous and economically empowered life,” commented Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel.

Phatudi Motaung, HR Manager at The Houghton Hotel commented on the life-changing experience the programme offers. “The YES Hospitality programme is a great opportunity to acquire new skills and develop a career path that the successful candidates wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. Since its inception, the YES Hospitality programme has welcomed around 88 students, providing them with the chance to receive comprehensive training within the hospitality industry.”

Each year, 20 carefully selected students are given the unique opportunity to spend 12 months at The Houghton Hotel, where they undergo immersive training across various departments, including front office, spa, finance/procurement, F&B, maintenance, and HR admin. The rotational approach enables students to gain a holistic understanding of the different facets of the hospitality business.

Motaung further explained, “The programme at The Houghton Hotel is an enriching journey for participants. The exposure and training they receive within the diverse departments not only enhance their skills but also provide them with a strong foundation for a successful career in hospitality.”

The Sweet Taste of Success Stories

The YES Hospitality programme’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond the confines of The Houghton Hotel. Mukundi Mphohoni, a standout participant of the programme, is a prime example. After completing the YES programme and gaining invaluable insights from placements in the finance and procurement departments, Mukundi founded Sweet Remedies. Her innovative business, established in July 2021, specialises in supplying sweets for hotels (including The Houghton Hotel where her business is based), parties, events, gifting, and personal enjoyment. Mukundi’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the YES Hospitality programme on young entrepreneurs.

Mukundi shared her success story, stating, “My business, Sweet Remedies, was established in July 2021 and has been operating for the past two years and counting. The YES programme played a crucial role in refining my business acumen and skills, enabling me to run my business both within and beyond the hotel sector.”

The Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun remain steadfast in their commitment to nurturing young talent and facilitating lasting change within the hospitality sector and beyond. As part of the programme’s application process, aspiring candidates can apply through the Afrika Tikkun website or visit Afrika Tikkun Centres in Alexandra, Orange Farm, Braamfontein, Diepsloot, and Mfuleni for inquiries and applications.

Scaling New Heights: Manaslu 8136m Expedition Transforming Lives of South African Youth

Announcements

Embarking on a remarkable endeavour, Angela Yeung, the visionary founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation and the ambassador of brand South Africa – play your part, is gearing up for an extraordinary climb up the daunting Manaslu, standing tall at 8,136 meters. This challenge surpasses her previous triumph on the Island Peak at 6,200 meters last year.

Manaslu, dubbed the “mountain of the spirit,” graces the ranks as the eighth-highest peak globally, nestled within Nepal’s majestic Himalayas. The mountain’s name is rooted in the Sanskrit term “manasa,” signifying “intellect” or “soul.”

The driving force behind Angela’s ascent is a compelling mission – to spotlight and combat the harrowing issue of gender-based violence (GBV). Angela’s daring expedition aims to channel funds towards an educational sanctuary that will empower and uplift young women who have faced the brunt of GBV.

“Angela declares, “We face a mountain to climb, one that symbolizes the path to women’s empowerment through education. This journey is the stepping stone to independence and self-reliance.”

Partnering with The Sherpa Legends, including the illustrious Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, who has conquered Everest six times and Manaslu thrice, Angela seeks to leverage her climb’s impact and inspire change.

Impilo Collection Foundation has already demonstrated its prowess in addressing GBV through its #EmpowerHer campaign, a testament to its dedication. The campaign’s impactful display of 6,200 bras at Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill and subsequent distribution to GBV shelters during International Women’s Month 2022 has left a lasting impact.

Intriguingly, the collection of 8,848 bras – representing the height of Mount Everest – is a novel pursuit of social warriors who stand resolute against GBV.

Angela’s philanthropic accomplishments are noteworthy, with this marking her fourth fundraising climb. Her vision transcends personal achievements, aiming to establish an annual drive for essentials like bras and sanitary pads. Collaborating with fellow mountaineers, Angela endeavors to cast awareness amidst the clouds.

The ascent is scheduled from September 1st to October 5th, held in collaboration with esteemed international brands such as Cathay Pacific, GoPro, Sisley Paris, and Zara Wellness. A thrilling revelation is Angela’s plan to carry their logos and the South African flag to the summit of Manaslu, elevating them beyond the reach of ordinary planes.

Most notably, Angela’s determination and courage could lead to a historic achievement. Should Angela summit at the highest point on Manaslu, she will become the first woman from South Africa to achieve this feat. In recent times, many climbers have chosen to ascend only after the confirmation of the summit by the renowned Mingma G.

Angela’s unwavering dedication is evident, having invested 630 hours in rigorous training and traversed a staggering 540 kilometres in preparation for the climb. While Angela has already injected substantial funding, the centre’s construction necessitates further contributions.

Angela emphasizes, “Our quest for an anti-GBV education centre demands the collective efforts of supporters, followers, climbers, and allies. Together, we will make this vision a reality.”

Generous benefactors will be commemorated with a keepsake symbolizing the metaphorical mountains scaled together.

Donations can be made at https://www.givengain.com/ap/angela-yeung-raising-funds-for-impilo-collection-foundation-63526/#updates towards the anti-GBV education centre and bras can be dropped off at one of the collection points.  Please visit https://impilofoundation.org/ for further information.

SABC EDUCATION AND LIVING LAND PARTNER IN THE CRITICAL GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT WEBINAR

Announcements

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)’s Education Division and its popular television show Living Land will co-host an important groundwater management webinar in collaboration with the SADC Groundwater Management Institute on 31 August 2023.

The two-hour webinar is inspired by the World Water Week Theme: Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World and will unpack key messages and resolutions of the World Water Week and how we can apply those messages in the Southern African context.

Groundwater is a vital input for agricultural production and plays a central role in food security. This water source is used for over 40 percent of global irrigation on almost 40 percent of all irrigated land and has become indispensable for agriculture production.

Groundwater management aims to control the use and quality of groundwater, and to address the effects on ecosystems, surface water, land subsidence and more. Perhaps one of the most critical components of groundwater management is the control of the location and quantity of water withdrawals from aquifers.

According to Living Land executive producer Nozipho Ndiweni, collaboration with organisations like the SADC Groundwater Management Institute on critical issues like groundwater management is essential to create awareness among key stakeholders. “By pooling resources with worthy development and transformational initiatives we can deliver more value to such important causes. SABC Education and Living Land are committed to playing a leading role in informing and uplifting farmers especially in our country’s rural areas,” she explained.

Currently in production for its thirteenth series, Living Land traditionally features all things agricultural in Southern Africa, with special focus on smallholders and emerging farmers, as well as rural development throughout the region.

“For more than a decade SABC Education and Living Land have made an invaluable contribution towards inspiring black farmers to return to the land and to create wealth for our rural communities by applying proven modern agricultural techniques. Collaborations like these will ensure that stakeholders are empowered to build more cohesive communities that are able to tackle the triple threat of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” Ndiweni added.

The Groundwater Management Webinar will take place on Thursday, 31 August 2023 from 14:00 to 16:00. The link to register to join the Webinar is: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FEx_Z61sTam2wEN0XbdOWQ

For media enquiries:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment 072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Regent Business School launches transformative, free online skills development programme for Grade 11 & 12 Learners across Southern Africa

Careers

Fostering economic growth, social stability, and the overall wellbeing of a society relies on essential elements such as youth development and job creation. Regent Business School is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Level-Up Initiative, a free online skills development platform aimed at addressing the current and future skills needs in Southern Africa. This transformative domain is meticulously designed to empower Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their educational journeys and future careers.

The purpose of the Level-Up initiative is clear: to bridge the gap between traditional education methods and the dynamic demands of the 21st-Century environment. By offering free online courses the platform aims to provide learners with the essential skills required to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

“We live in an ever-changing world where new skills and knowledge are vital for personal and professional growth,” said Vikesh Rampadarath, Associate Director at Regent Business School. “Through the Level-Up Initiative, we are dedicated to empowering the youth of Southern Africa by providing them with access to high-quality, interactive online courses that are aligned with the CAPS curriculum. These courses are designed to develop essential traits, foster entrepreneurship and prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). We believe that by investing in education and skills development, we can create a brighter future for the entire region.”

The Level-Up initiative will provide access to free, interactive online courses across three categories: Essential Traits, Business and Entrepreneurship, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Each course is carefully curated to ensure that learners extract maximum value, and, upon successful completion of a course, learners will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Enrolment for the Level-Up Initiative is open to individual Grade 11 to 12 learners as well as schools who want to enrol their learners. Interested participants can register via the dedicated registration page where they will create a username and password. After completing the registration, learners will receive an email to activate their accounts, granting them access to the free online courses.

One of the key features of the program is the interactive CAPS aligned online courses, which will allow learners to engage in high-quality educational content at their own pace. Interactive in-lesson tasks and quizzes further enhance the learning experience, providing learners with the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of the course material.

Regent Business School’s Level-Up initiative again illustrates its commitment to empowering Southern African youth with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in a rapidly evolving global business environment. By aiming to create a significant positive impact on education and skills development, the programmes on offer seeks to unlock the full potential of our youth, preparing them for success in their future endeavours.

The Level-Up Platform can be accessed via this link: https://levelup.regent.ac.za/

For more information about Regent Business School’s programme offering, please visit  https://regent.ac.za/