What's it like to be a young entrepreneur in South Africa?
- Jan 27, 2009
Virgin Unite is heading to South Africa to visit several young entrepreneurs whose businesses have been supported by the Branson School of Entrepreneurship. We're taking along our video camera, so why not post a question for them to this blog? We'll film the responses and share them upon our return.
The School, based in Johannesburg, provides training, mentoring and seed funding to young entrepreneurs, helping them launch successful businesses which will in turn create jobs and help boost the local economy.
First, we'll don our coveralls for a tour of Mngenela Promoters, founded by Sonwabile Mngenela. This small firm, based in Johannesburg, designs and produces beautiful ceramics and currently employees a staff of 18. And, thanks to funding awarded at a recent Young Entrepreneurs Challenge hosted by Richard, Sonwabile will be expanding his business and creating even more jobs. He comes from a long line of ceramics producers—including his 100 year old granny whose blessings he credits for his success.
Next we'll head to Soweto to test our video game skills with Musa Maphongwane and Amos Mtsolongo. The pair teamed up three years ago to launch GameZone, a video arcade franchise housed in repurposed shipping containers. It's a brilliant concept and offers a safe, fun place for kids to spend time afterschool. In fact, the founders report a reduction in juvenile delinquency in areas where their outlets are located.
Finally, we'll be checking in with Johnson Masango, whom we recently profiled at virginunite.com with the video feature posted here. His business, TM-Internet Solutions, is providing Internet and computer services to his home community in the rural Mpumalanga province. Johnson says he's always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. He is the first person in his family to attend university.
Please leave a reply to this post and we'll put the best questions to them when we visit. (Please post questions no later than Friday the 5th of February 2009)
Many thanks,
Christie
