The aim was to encourage students to think outside of the box, be business orientated, and become more innovative. Students could enter into two categories; ‘I have a business idea’, and ‘I have an existing business’. Tzaneen campus manager, MD Mathevula said that Letaba TVET colleges offer career-focused vocational programmes designed specifically to prepare young people to enter the labour market or to become entrepreneurs who start and run their own businesses.

“We recognise the students who are doing excellent work in building their businesses. The aim of entrepreneurship is to change the mind and behaviour of students to form new businesses and job opportunities,” he said. The winner of the competition was 23-year-old business management N6 student, Thabang Masekane. He won a laptop from the office of the principal. Masekane proposed a poultry farming business, an idea he hopes he will be able to fulfill after completing his studies.

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“I have always wanted to be a businessman and although I am from a disadvantaged background, it will not stop me from trying. I hope to apply to the National Youth Development Agency for funding. Unemployment is high, and I want to encourage my peers to start looking at starting their own businesses and creating jobs.” Acting principal, Moshoma Benjamin, said the college is creating awareness and opportunities to enhance the attractiveness of starting businesses.

“Entrepreneurship education is a vital instrument to enhance employment rate, economic growth, and innovation. They are especially beneficial to students who intend to pursue product development and business-oriented services. Coupled with coaching resources, participants can confidently pitch their businesses,” he concluded.