Rinchi
TechInAfrica – A group of students from four Gauteng’s public high schools will pitch their business ideas at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on April 25. It’s a part of the Valued Citizens Initiative’s iValue Entrepreneurship Program aims at providing entrepreneurial skills to Grade 10 and 11 students and teach them how to run ethical and successful businesses.
The four schools are Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Mokgome Secondary School in Meadowlands, Emadwaleni Secondary School in Umzimhlophe, and SG Mafeasa Secondary School in Kagiso. They are currently in their final year of the two-year program.
Each of the schools can only be represented by no more than five groups while their business ideas must be ready to pitch to a panel of three representatives from Strate, University of Johannesburg, and Valued Citizens Initiative.
The three entities are partners in the iValue Entrepreneurship Program with Strate as the main funder. The University of Johannesburg provides mentorship for the students by supplying mentors from their 2nd-year students doing a National Diploma in Small Business Management.
The students were selected in 2018. They chose entrepreneurship as a way to address poverty and get a reward for creating a business that has value to the community.
Carole Podetti Ngono, Managing Director of Valued Citizens Initiative said: “Ethical values-driven business people are necessary for the future of South Africa’s economy and values should be taught alongside with business acumen. There’s no better time to learn than at this stage before Matric.”
One or two groups from each school will be chosen to pitch their business ideas this week. The winners will be rewarded with startup capital, helping them to bring the ideas to become reality.
Source: iol.co.za
