Alex youth join Services SETA for micro-enterprise development
Second group of young people in Alexandra meet to sign contracts to participate in Thembalethu Development’s micro-enterprise development programme.
Thembalethu Development is empowering young people, under the age of 29, in Alexandra through its Services SETA micro-enterprise initiative. The goal is not just to provide survivalist opportunities, but to foster sustainable micro-enterprises that empower young people and tackle unemployment.
Read more: Thembalethu Development empowers Alexandra youth with skills and opportunities
Over 40 young people met at the Alexandra Police Station on May 14 to sign contracts to participate in the Services SETA programme. Project co-ordinator Muhammed Gadimang explained that these young people are transitioning from the Social Employment Fund (SEF) initiative into the new programme. “They are from the SEF programme. This one is the Services SETA [programme]. They are going to do the learnership around micro-entrepreneurship. So, we are graduating them from SEF and we are taking them into Services SETA to train them around micro-enterprise and around the business as well.”
This marks the second round of youth entering such a programme. On May 3, the first group signed contracts for the BANK SETA initiative. Gadimang noted that while the sponsors differ, the focus remains the same. “There is not much difference from the BANK SETA [initiative], except that the SETAs are different. They will be doing the same micro-enterprise development that BANK SETA is doing, just under different sponsors. This one focuses on youth, under 29, whereas before, we had some flexibility to include a few older participants.”
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Thembalethu Development implements learnership programmes, including SETAs, and works with private companies to implement their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Gadimang emphasised the programme’s long-term vision. “The goal is career path development, whether that leads to formal employment or their own businesses… They gain specific skills, and as they move into entrepreneurship, we assess how to support them further. Should we need to help them register businesses, apply for funding, or procure equipment. In Alexandra, 20 people have already received business starter kits. We gave some for nail salons, and others for carpentry, plumbing, or panel beating.”
The initiative is part of Thembalethu’s ongoing effort to uplift Alexandra’s youth. Gadimang spoke about their future plans, saying that they are hoping to run other programmes that Thembalethu might have from July onwards.
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