Q&A with Mmabatho Mokiti

Jun 132012
 

Youth Month is celebrated annually throughout the month of June. Not only does this month coincide with the historically significant Youth Day, but represents the government’s commitment to confronting youth unemployment in South Africa. In order to counteract the increasing levels of youth unemployment, it is crucial to communicate and promote entrepreneurship as an attractive employment opportunity to South Africa’s youth.

Mmabatho Mokiti is an inspirational South African entrepreneur who is the proud founder of Mathemaniacs, a private tutoring company, and was also the runner up in the 2011 SME Toolkit South Africa Young Entrepreneurs Business Plan competition.

Nazeem Martin, Managing Director of the competition’s co-sponsor Business Partners Limited, described the finalists as role models to the rest of South Africa’s youth. “Their innovation, tenacity and dedication to chasing their dreams can serve as a true inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs.”

You were the runner up in the 2011 Young Entrepreneurs Business Plan Competition, why did you enter the competition?.. more

A stylish route to entrepreneurship

Oct 032011
 

Lewis Thomas, Partners Hair Design, 2010 and 2011 Finalist

For Lewis Thomas, entrepreneurship is a trait he was born with. One of his first memories of wanting to run a business was at the tender age of 12, when he saw an opportunity to earn money by opening and closing a farm gate in Bath, England, for motorists on their way to play golf. Needless to say, it did not take long before he started selling golf balls to the motorists. “If you want to become an entrepreneur, just do it,” Lewis says.

Partners Hair Design comprises of 18 salons strategically positioned in up-market shopping malls in and around Cape Town. The head office and training school is based in Kenilworth, and the newest edition to the group of salons will be opening in 2012 also in Kenilworth but at a separate location – boasting a SETA accreditation… more

Efficient entrepreneurial education

Nov 182010
 

“Entrepreneurs need to take their rightful place as role models in South Africa so that when young people leave school or university, they consider it as a viable career option.” – Nazeem Martin, Business Partners Managing Director.

The canon of entrepreneurial research clearly shows a direct correlation between the level of education of an individual and his or her ability to found a sustainable business.

There is also a definite link between the level of education of a business owner and the number of jobs the operation can potentially create.

But, experts say that there is a real and dangerous lack of entrepreneurial education in South Africa.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) for example, has cited education a major inhibitor for nearly a decade… more

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