Entrepreneurs passion for youth empowerment
RANDBURG– An entrepreneur identifies a need in underprivileged communities on the lack of developmental programmes to empower the youth.
An ambitious entrepreneur got an opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected in 2005 as one of the 30 young top entrepreneurs in the world by Scottish youth entrepreneurship organisation called Power of Youth.
Danny Tong, executive chairman of the Investong Group based in Randburg, has come a long way since he started his career 15 years ago.
Tong who comes from North West, said his family exposed him to how business is run from a young age.
“I wouldn’t be in business if I wasn’t exposed and participated in the family business. My father who is also my mentor, inspired me take the direction I did with my career,” Tong said.
He was also selected by youth organisation City Year to travel to America to represent South Africa.
While abroad he got the opportunity to meet former American president, Bill Clinton, and other leaders from different organisations and they discussed the key issues affecting young people in Africa.
Tong established Investong Group, an investment company in 2006, and identified the need to give back to disadvantaged communities.
The Investong Foundation was established three years ago, and focuses on empowering disadvantaged young people in education, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
“The purpose of our foundation is to instill human dignity into the communities we target,” Tong said.
Under their education programme the Investong Foundation host the Kasi career expo where Tong’s team go to less privileged townships around South Africa.
Large corporations are invited that offer young people bursaries, educational programmes and internship opportunities.
Under the entrepreneurship programme the National Youth Development Agency and other agencies are invited that support youth entrepreneurship and offer the youth opportunities.
“All resources that are used are from local communities in order to activate the township’s economy and to educate the youth on entrepreneurship,” Tong said.
Since the success of the Kasi expo the investment group plans to expand their programmes to other provinces from next year.
Details: Investong Group 011 781 2915
