THE sky is the limit for the young local entrepreneur Lungani Mthembu.
His appointment to serve in the Mayoral Advisory Panel on Economic Growth, Economic Transformation and Job Creation of the City of uMhlathuze Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo has seen his star rising to greater heights.
Mthembu (26) who hails from KwaSomopho Royal family is excited at the opportunity to rub shoulders with the region’s business heavyweights.
He will be sharing his business advice with the other members of the Mayoral Advisory Panel.
They are Dr Bandile Mkhize – CEO Mongi Consulting Services, Dumisani Zungu – Executive Director: WECO Companies, Sonto Mayise – Senior Manager KZN Convention Bureau, Judith Nzimande – President of ZCCI and GM for RBCT, Mr Mkhonza – CEO of Akha-Unique Solutions, Dave Gardner – Logistics Manager for MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping and Mike Patterson – Executive Committee Member for ZCCI.
Mthembu is in the agri-business and farming is his passion.
Through his company Uwanca Green Projects, he supplies fresh produce to uThungulu Fresh Produce Market.
He also founded an environmental organisation called Green Senate South Africa.
Agriculture, energy and small business development are close to his heart.
‘I’m not smart, I only dedicate my time to everything I do. I consult a lot and that translates to the knowledge I have gained.
‘Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. Sometimes you have sleepless nights and are broke for a long time; that is why you need to be passionate about what you do.’
Not sustainable
Mthembu also spoke about the state of entrepreneurship in the country, saying the government tenders have collapsed the spirit of entrepreneurship.
‘There is nothing wrong with tenders, but it worries some of us when we see the flourishing of tenderpreneurs who in my view add no value to inspiring young people.
‘The reality is that most of them are young people like myself, who enjoy showing off their expensive cars and houses.
‘The most worrying factor about many of the jobs created through tendering systems is that they are not sustainable.
‘I can only appeal to my peers, this generation of emerging entrepreneurs, to start sustainable businesses that will alleviate poverty in the long run,’ he said.
