YOUTH GIVEN A CHANCE TO LIVE THEIR BUSINESS DREAMS

Man oh man! I love these stories! The opportunities abound - all we need is the determination to succeed and the will to do it!

Well done SAB! I salute you.

Youth given chance to live their business dreams
Katleho Khoaele
04 October 2007 at 11h00

When one thinks of South African Breweries, (SAB) the first thought that comes to mind is beer, beer and more beer.

On a serious note though, many of us are not aware of social upliftment programmes that most corporates are involved in.

SAB is in my good books because they have contributed to the economy of our country in so many ways and for that reason I will continue to be a proud consumer of their products.

The SAB Kickstart Awards were held recently in Johannesburg.

The Kickstart programme is funded and developed by SAB and it's a programme that is open to previously disadvantaged youth aged between 18 and 35 who want to start and grow their own businesses.

Since 1995, SAB has invested nearly R40-million in grants funding in the programme, which promotes businesses awareness, helps participants develop business skills and provides start-up grants.

So far, 2 500 people have under gone business training and 64% of all the businesses set up under the scheme are still operating.

At last week's Kickstart Awards evening, Zongamele Tshikana, who owns Ubuhle Trading, a steel and metal business, was named the winner in the development category.

"This award is a validation that I'm doing things right," says Tshikana. "I've got a strategy, and now with more capital I can expand my business in the Eastern Cape"

Ernest Maponyane's jewellery repair business was named business of the year and was given a grant of R180 000 The SAB Kickstart event was a night filled with inspiration and positive testimonials that were inspirational, encouraging one to think bigger and to use opportunities that are available.

It was certainly great to see people on a journey to success and to witness what lies ahead for all those who were part of the programme.

One of the guest speakers, Gayton McKenzie, who is part of the Kickstart alumni, touched many hearts.

Many admired him for his bravery and courage that changed his life, from being a gangster to becoming one of the most profound motivational speakers in the country.

His journey began four years ago, when he was released following a 15-year jail sentence. It was in jail that he made a decision to make a difference in people's lives.

He looked for a job everywhere, and approached many companies, but was always turned down because he was just released from jail.

He did not, however, allow this to stop him from wanting to succeed.

He applied to go on the SAB Kickstart programme and persuaded them to accept him.

However, he was taken on one condition - that he will not get any reward from the programme, but that made him even more enthusiastic and pushed him in the right direction. All he needed was a chance to learn.

"People can take your money but not your knowledge. I am who I am because Kickstart gave me an opportunity"concludes McKenzie. I left the kickstart event being inspired and I was reminded about learning to embrace and utilise opportunities that are given to one, wisely.