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 The National Development Agency (NDA), Maths Centre and small business entrepreneurs (the beneficiaries of the project) were gathered at the Maths Centre's head office in Braamfontein. The purpose of the event was to honour all beneficiaries of the project in a final handover and give a final report to the funder (NDA).
The aim of the project was to close the business skills gap in South African townships, to develop 10 Informal businesses into formal micro enterprises that contribute substantially by creating job opportunities. Ten budding entrepreneurs of small informal businesses in Soweto, Alexandra Township and one business that relocated to KZN were selected to be part of the project from February 2009 to March 2011. These businesses benefitted from mentorship, business support and entrepreneurship workshops.
The nine business owners were mentored by Maths Centre project coordinator, Milford Malunga, and supported financially by the NDA. The project was largely based on supporting business by assisting them in managing their finances, record keeping, creating business profiles and registering them with the right bodies.
The project was successful in improving those objectives and has increased the businesses' turnover. All businesses have been able to create employment for at least two people. One of the beneficiaries said "I am very thankful to NDA and the Maths Centre for giving us this opportunity, I have grown as a person and my business has also grown". He continued saying that it signifies prosperity and that he hopes other business could get a chance to be supported as he did.
The function was characterised by speeches made by representatives from both the NDA and Maths Centre. Nolwazi Mazibuko (Project Manager, NDA), Milford Malunga (Maths Centre) and Sharanjeet Shan (National Executive Director, Maths Centre) motivated these entrepreneurs to take the skills that they have learned and run with them. The project has made a huge impact not only in the businesses but also in the communities which they are serving.
This article submitted by:
Lerato Kgatla
Maths Centre Media Officer
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