“Additionally, these beneficiaries will further address our obligation to ensure that women and youth are empowered through our various Economic Development programmes,” explains Nomzamo Landingwe, chief community operations officer for Zeerust Solar.
One of the young beneficiaries, Emily Mmelesi, from the Kruisrivier community, is only 21 years old. She has started a small vegetable trading enterprise, which she plans to expand to include agricultural fodder.
“We are very proud of the five selected entrepreneurs, who together with the other contestants, will be working alongside trainers and business mentors for several months. We wish them good fortune in achieving their business goals,” added Landingwe.
Forty-six entrepreneurs initially applied for the enterprise development initiative, however, only fifteen SMMEs across different disciplines, over and above the five agri-SMMEs, will also continue to receive a 12-month business mentorship programme; business development support; as well as formal business planning, which can be used to access more opportunities.
