Entrepreneurs aim to grow SA economy
Simama Ranta, which means ‘empowering the South African economy’, was initiated in 2010 by the Eskom Development Foundation in collaboration with the Education with Enterprise Trust (EWET).
Young entrepreneurs from Pretoria travelled to Johannesburg last week to present their business ideas to the Eskom Development Foundation as part of the Simama Ranta Schools competition.
Simama Ranta, which means “empowering the South African economy”, was founded by the foundation in collaboration with the Education with Enterprise Trust (EWET) in 2010.
The competition is aimed at identifying and acknowledging South African secondary schools that are leading the way in education initiatives aimed at entrepreneurship. The idea is to encourage learners to seek to be employers that help grow the South African economy.
The overall national winner, chosen from the nine that represent the provinces, will receive an R100 000 cash prize.
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Representing Gauteng was the Merogong club from the Filadelfia Secondary School for the disabled in Soshanguve. The club runs a successful vegetable garden and sells its produce to the school and the community at large.
“Merogong plans to use their income to purchase more equipment and donate the proceeds to the upkeep of the school,” said Fredah Marobe, a teacher at the school.
“I introduced these [club] because I realised that not all of our students were strong when it comes to theoretical work. It is great to see them get involved in work that requires skill and it has made a big difference,” she said further.
Percy Masango, chairman of the competition’s adjudication panel made up of subject experts from the national Department of Basic education commented, “With the calibre of young entrepreneurs we have seen in the competition so far, I can safely say that our country’s future is looking bright.”
“It’s going to be tough for the panel to choose a winner although it’s good to see the headway we’re making each year in attracting quality entrepreneurs from the learners.
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“One of the best ways to affect unemployment is nurturing entrepreneurs and ensure this competition goes a long way in achieving that,” says Masango.
“Our project is very successful and it is giving myself and my peers hope,” says Princess Mthethwa, a student from the school.
The winning school will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by the foundation where they will have a chance to meet some of the country’s innovative entrepreneurs.
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