5 July 2006

By Moruakgomo Masibi

RATHER than waiting for opportunities, young entrepreneurs should try to create their own, delegates were told at the recent launch of the West Rand Business Chamber.

"If you want to be where you wish to be in 30 years from now, start making sacrifices right away," said MEC for public transport, roads and works Ignatius Jacobs.

Addressing over 50 entrepreneurs at Banquet Hall, Jacobs said he expected the youth in the area to take advantage of the opportunities awarded to them by the government.

The formation of the West Rand Youth Business Chamber is part of Gauteng's Expanded Public Works Programme, which aims to draw significant numbers of unemployed people into productive work through training.

More than R100-million has been budgeted in the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist in the development of women and youth in the province.

The chamber will be an independent body that works with various organisations, businesses and government departments. It is underpinned and guided by national imperatives such as the Enterprise Development Strategy and AsgiSA (Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa). These initiatives are aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment.

Addressing the delegates, who came from as far afield as Mohlakeng, Westonaria and Muldersdrift, Jacobs said rather than waiting for opportunities, they should work at creating new ones.

"You should fight to attain skills that are different from the norm. I want to see young people with their own successful businesses. Make sure that you write your own history in a manner that will be remembered 30 years from now," he urged.

His message was echoed by Mogale City executive mayor, Koketso Calvin Seerane.

Reflecting on the courage and determination shown by the youth of the past, Seerane encouraged the current generation to work hard at self-upliftment. "Young people lack the knowledge and skill in various areas. But we are here to inspire them to this extent."

Gauteng Youth Commission's Pule Mabe said all government departments should take cognisance of the youth: "There should be a deliberate attempt by every government department to integrate youth in their daily works."