Tshwane digital entrepreneur wants to help small businesses
“I started with small online classes but I scaled it up by partnering with an NPO called Invest In a Child, which is a youth development programme aimed at mentorship and an overall development of a young person.”
A local budding digital entrepreneur wants to uplift young upcoming business owners like himself.
Calvin Mpuru described himself as many things: a proud father, a son, a loving member of his community and a patriot for his country.
The 33-year-old was born in the Free State and moved to Pretoria to pursue his passion for technology and arts.
“Growing up I always had a passion for technology and the arts.
“With these interests, I discovered graphic design, which developed into curiosity for web design, digital marketing and all aspects of business,” Mpuru explained.
“This passion which turned into a long spending career led me to Pretoria to chase my dream of starting my own digital marketing agency.”
Mpuru said he is running a digital entrepreneurship programme.
“The project is aimed at helping small businesses stay competitive.
“Access to this information is usually very hard to obtain,” he said.
“I was employed full-time so I couldn’t give it my full attention or commitment.
“Well, sadly a month back I lost my employment. Instead of sulking at the unforeseen circumstance, I decided to use this negative life experience and channel it in a positive outlet.”
He said he always had a passion for helping those in need.
“I always had a passion for giving back to my community. This programme was an opportunity to not just give back, but empower the youth economically.
“I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I started with small online classes but I scaled it up by partnering with an NPO called Invest In a Child, which is a youth development programme aimed at mentorship and overall development of a young person.
Mpuru told Rekord that he is very determined to see young people actively participating in the building of the South African economy.
“For various reasons, I am very worried about the South African economy. If we are still going to be sustainable in an ever-evolving digital and AI era, we need to equip the youth with skills to move with the times,” he said.
“I’m not sure if the government or most elderly people understand the impact that youth unemployment has had on the economy. It is a rapidly growing threat in the future.
“With this programme, more long-term solutions and foresight can challenge this,” he added.
“If we don’t innovate, we will be left behind. As one of the last stable economies in Africa, it’s our responsibility to preserve and grow it.
“Instead of focusing too much on conspiracy theories I would rather do what I can to help people build sustainable businesses in the new digital era. One workshop at a time.”
He said people can join classes and become part of this programme.
“There is a screening process that must be followed with a few required documents if you want to be part of the programme,” he said.
“People can join our classes by sending an email to info@skyemedia.co.za or call me on 068 132 4636.
“As this is a growing campaign, I also call out to all private corporate companies to get involved. We are always looking to join hands in the pursuit of social economic development.”
With this campaign, Mpuru is aiming for bi-monthly training sessions. The next one starts on April 29 and they will also be hosting the youth from Invest in a Child.
This workshop will be held in the Montana area.
Mpuru gave the following advice to the youth: “In our communities, depression is a luxury and we are governed by the words ‘Men do not cry’ which is not entirely true”.
“It’s important for us to recognise that there are factors and things that happen that can drastically leave your mental well-being tainted like loss of a loved one, failure and just day-to-day challenges,” he said.
“I know most of us cannot afford therapy, but please speak to someone.
“It is important that we heal because too many men die silently or commit heinous acts of violence against our women because they don’t deal with their trauma,” Mpuru said.
He said he plans to grow Skye Media into a sustainable business for his children and gain momentum in helping the community through his projects.
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