The Department of Economic development has cemented its mandate of growing the local economy and investing aggressively towards youth development. Evidence to this was displayed along Van Wyk Street in the Roodepoort CBD, where over a hundred beneficiaries of an agricultural skills programme showcased their products at the Market Day on Friday, 31 March 2023. The Agricultural Plant Production and New Venture Creation initiative is targeted towards upskilling community members from the mining areas of Braamfischerville, Sol Plaatje, Matholesville and others in Region C with agricultural plant production and business training.
Patson Khosa from the Economic Development department shared insight on how the elevation of youth and SMMEs contribute to the economy of Johannesburg.
“Some of the aspects of growing the economy are job creation and enterprise development which better position the City to attract investors and consumers,” Khosa said.
The partners of this project, Golden Lanes Training and Consulting Services approached the Agricultural Plant Production and New Venture Creation initiative with the aim of furnishing participants with business expertise.
Omphile Modise-Mashishi from Golden Lanes Training and Consulting Services said the beneficiaries are at a point
where they need to showcase the skills they learnt in class.
“The purpose is to empower participants with the skills required to be businesspeople that they learnt throughout the curriculum of the programme,” said Modise-Mashishi.
She said a multifaceted approach in such projects was necessary in producing all-rounded, competent entrepreneurs.
One of the participants, Mohale Lesiea encouraged the youth to capitalise on government services such as the Isiqalo Opportunity Centre.
“Once the youth start being proactive and going out in their communities, it will be easier to get access to information on some of the programmes provided,” he said.
The diversity in the scope of beneficiaries was applauded by the sponsor, Mining Qualifications Authority. Several of them are people over the age of 35, whose age often hinder them from seizing opportunities due to age restriction.
Some of the products for sale at the stalls included vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The beneficiaries are hopeful for a better future as their course is nearing completion.
Written by Pamela Sibiya
03/04/2023