#MakingIt – Viwe Marareni joins Caxton

Talented young citizens undergo a year-long cadet programme, where they are introduced into the world of media.

Viwe Marareni is one such young person from Tembisa, who grabbed the opportunity when Caxton opened its doors for fresh talent.

The former Norkem Park High pupil completed an NQF level 5 certificate in Public Relations in 2009 and further achieved a cabin crew licence from the QAS Aviation Academy in 2010.

A prolonged hunt for a job didn’t discourage him and this is evident from a short stint he had at Velvet Sky Airline, where he served as a cabin crew member prior the company’s liquidation.

His recurring unemployment inspired the establishment of uVobe, a t-shirt printing company he founded with an acquaintance.

The 28-year-old said lack of business etiquette led to the collapse of their business venture. When asked about the lessons he took from the downfall, Marareni emphasized investing in one’s own ideas.

“Not having your own business ideas, it sways different ways,”said Marareni. This was the second disappointment but his enthusiasm for business saw him set up another company called Diaper Dudes.

While he was selling by the roadside, he came across a Caxton sales internship advertisement.

When his application for the cadet programme succeeded, he left the Diaper Dudes business in the capable hands of his mother.

He said he learnt a lot from the cadet programme.

Marareni said the programme taught him to not rely on anyone but instead to do things for himself. He also learnt about approaching clients.

“Make sure things are done properly the first time,” he said.

This full-time Caxton sales consultant employee said young people must be resourceful in discovering opportunities.

“Use your own tactics to find employment. Make use of things like internet cafés,” he said.