Unemployment is high in South Africa, with the youth mostly affected.
The economy is also not growing. The government as well has been missing its economic growth target for the past three years or so. We are in a state of decline.
In addition, the government is also adding to our economic woes through its silly actions. For instance, the recent firing of the finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mncebisi Jonas has affected the rand. The country has also been downgraded to junk status. Thanks to our visionless leadership.
The pertinent question is: what is the possible solution to the challenges confronting the country? According to experts, entrepreneurship is the answer. The means the country needs to produce more entrepreneurs in order to combat high unemployment and grow the economy. The challenge is that the country is producing fewer entrepreneurs.
The other day, I met Lekale Mashego from Kagiso. Mashego told me that he had bought the Pick n Pay franchise and had resigned from his day job to focus on the business. He is busy transforming Phenyo Supermarket into a Pick n Pay, which will be the first in the township.
He has worked for PnP for years and served in various positions, so he has an extensive experience in retailing, in particular with PnP. He’s now using the experience he has gathered in retailing to start his own business. The venture will create jobs and contribute positively to the ailing economy.
Mashego is armed with a degree from the University of Witwatersrand and has also studied business management overseas. He has the necessary academic qualifications and experience to run his own business.
It is encouraging and motivating to see a young man from the township taking a leap of faith and starting his own business. That’s a step in the right direction. He’s showing others that it is possible. We can only but wish him the best in his venture.
