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In the face of a challenging job market, where many graduates find themselves unemployed or resorting to unconventional means of survival, the decision to embark on entrepreneurship emerges as a beacon of hope. Rather than succumbing to despair or resorting to undesirable activities, some individuals opt to establish their own businesses, contributing not only to their personal growth but also to the broader community.
Recently, Mayor Cllr. Zukiswa Ndevu took a significant step towards empowering local entrepreneurs by presenting machines valued at 50 thousand Rands to assist the Sobhuza ka Swazi Co-operation. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and fostering employment in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, the Mayor underscored the importance of self-reliance. While the government plays a crucial role, individuals are encouraged to proactively pursue opportunities and not solely depend on external support.
Mayor Ndevu urged people to cultivate self-sustainability, emphasizing that citizens should not wait for the government to fulfill every need. She cited examples of successful ventures, including farming and animal husbandry, illustrating that diverse avenues exist for individuals to create opportunities for themselves and others.
One such success story is Nomxolisi Mabhanya, the founder of Sobhuza ka Swazi Co-operation. Specializing in crafting traditional outfits, matric farewell dresses, and farming, the cooperative’s primary focus lies in agriculture. Nomxolisi, who studied fashion design in 2004, faced the challenge of unemployment upon graduation. Undeterred, she took the bold step of establishing her own small cooperative business.
Cllr. Xoliswa Jona, representing the office, highlighted the organization’s commitment to ensuring that local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) actively engage with LED initiatives. She expressed satisfaction at witnessing a growing number of applications and emphasized that the municipality provides funding support to small businesses from their inception.
Nomxolisi Mabhanya shared the challenges her cooperative faces, including broken machinery and irons. These setbacks make it challenging to meet customer deadlines, as some garments cannot be properly ironed due to faulty equipment. Operating as a small group of five members, with one individual trained by the municipality, they adopt a flexible hiring approach, bringing in additional hands when the workload demands it.
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