In a significant celebration marking the conclusion of Youth Month in South Africa, the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) hosted a graduation ceremony for 69 young entrepreneurs who successfully completed the New Venture Creation Learnership program. The event highlighted the growing emphasis on addressing youth unemployment through education, skill development, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation.
This initiative, conducted in partnership with the City of Johannesburg's Department of Social Development and the Phosaane Institute, aimed to equip participants with essential business skills and knowledge necessary for starting and running successful ventures. The program attracted 98 individuals initially, with 69 completing the course successfully—an impressive outcome considering national average completion rates typically fall between 40% and 70%.
Acting Services SETA CEO Sibusiso Dhladhla emphasized the organization's dedication to empowering young people and contributing to societal improvement. He noted that the program's success rate was among the highest achieved by Services SETA, underscoring the effectiveness of their approach to youth development. The curriculum included modules on identifying business opportunities, conducting market research, developing comprehensive business plans, managing finances, delivering quality customer service, and building sustainable enterprises.
The impact of the program is already becoming evident, with over 10% of the graduates either securing full-time employment or establishing their own businesses. These ventures include bakeries and beauty salons, which are generating economic activity within their respective communities. Such outcomes reflect the practical application of the skills learned during the program and demonstrate the potential for these young entrepreneurs to make meaningful contributions to the local economy.
Herbert Phogole, director of the Phosaane Training Institute, viewed the graduation ceremony as more than just a formal recognition of academic achievement. He highlighted the perseverance, dedication, and resolve displayed by the graduates, along with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. Phogole expressed gratitude towards Services SETA for its investment in entrepreneurship and skills development, noting that this funding has enabled many young South Africans to acquire valuable business insights, build confidence, and explore self-employment avenues.
The City of Johannesburg played a pivotal role in the program by acting as the primary employer and facilitating internships with host businesses. This hands-on experience allowed participants to transition smoothly from theoretical learning to real-world business practices, thus enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Martin Ngwako Lebea, Executive Head of Social Development at the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Social Development, praised the initiative for showcasing how effective collaborations between governmental bodies and educational institutions can harness the potential of young people. He stressed that while youth unemployment presents a major challenge, it is crucial to recognize the creative abilities and economic potential of the youth when supported appropriately.
As the Youth Month drew to a close, Dhladhla urged young South Africans to actively seek out similar opportunities that could transform their lives. He pointed out that engaging in entrepreneurship and small business development provides alternative pathways for young people to engage constructively with the national economy. By embracing these opportunities, the youth can play a vital role in shaping the future of South Africa's economic landscape.
3 reports
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 708 hr. agoA young couple in Mitchells Plain, South Africa, transformed their tuckshop into a viral sensation on TikTok after opening during a period of heightened activity related to undocumented foreigners preparing to leave the country by 30 June. Despite facing challenges such as thefts from their shop, the couple, Tamryn Johannes and her husband Ariel, used social media to share their journey, which gained significant attention. Their initiative has inspired discussions around entrepreneurship among marginalized communities and challenged stereotypes about colored individuals in South Africa. The couple plans to expand their business by offering additional services like coffee and doughnuts.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses community entrepreneurship and social media impact, touching on broader themes of economic opportunity and racial stereotypes. However, it does not present a clear ideological slant, focusing more on the couple's personal experience and the positive outcomes of their initiative
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality remains high with consistent reporting on the events and quotes. Objectivity is similarly low as the narrative focuses on the couple's positive transformation and inspiration, potentially overlooking broader social issues.
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 702 days ago Jody the Bhai: How a Westridge couple's shop went viral on TikTokA young couple from Westridge in Mitchells Plain, South Africa, turned a local tuckshop into a viral sensation on TikTok during a period of increased migration activity. The couple, Tamryn Johannes and her husband Ariel, opened their shop as undocumented migrants prepared to leave the country by June 30. Their efforts gained traction after they recorded videos featuring their friend Jody Hendricks, who became a central figure in their content. Despite facing theft by gangsters, the couple received community support and continued operations. They aim to expand their business by offering coffee and doughnuts, emphasizing innovation and community engagement.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a local business venture and community response rather than overtly political commentary. While it touches on migration issues, it does not frame the situation through a partisan lens. The narrative remains balanced, highlighting both challenges and positive outcomes without a
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as the article reports on a specific local event with details about the shop, theft, and community support. Objectivity is lower due to the positive framing of the couple's efforts and the emphasis on their resilience, which may downplay the complexity of the situation involving u
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 70Objective 855 days ago Graduation celebrates young entrepreneurs tackling unemployment in South AfricaThe Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) celebrated the graduation of 69 young entrepreneurs who completed its New Venture Creation Learnership program, marking a significant milestone in efforts to combat youth unemployment in South Africa. The program, run in partnership with the City of Johannesburg's Department of Social Development and the Phosaane Institute, provided participants with practical business skills, including market research, financial management, and sustainable enterprise development. Of the 98 recruits, 69 successfully finished the learnership, achieving a high success rate compared to national averages. Graduates are now either employed permanently or running small businesses like bakeries and beauty salons, contributing to local economies. Program leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, training institutions, and private sector partners in fostering entrepreneurship among youth.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of a government-led initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment through education and entrepreneurship programs. It highlights the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government departments, training institutes, and private sector partners, and
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 85): Factuality is slightly lower as the article shifts focus to a broader theme of youth entrepreneurship without directly addressing the specific event covered in the previous articles. Objectivity is higher as it presents information about the program without taking sides or emphasizing particular emo
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