Department of Trade and Industry hands out Cooperatives Certificates to the Youth Of Nyanga, Cape Town
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) together with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) handed out cooperatives certificates to the youth of Nyanga, Cape Town at the youth empowerment outreach event hosted by the Department on Friday, 31 January 2014.
The aim of the outreach event which was attended by more than three-hundred youth from the area was to encourage the youth to establish businesses, particularly cooperatives, in an effort to create employment for themselves and other members of the community.
Seven formations of youth who formed cooperatives were awarded certificates by the officials from the dti, NYDA and the City of Cape Town Local Municipality. the dti’s Ms Anna Mnguni said the outreach programme is one of the platforms that the department is currently using to encourage entrepreneurship amongst the youth.
“DTI wants to encourage the youth to opt for entrepreneurship in order to reduce high levels of unemployment especially in sectors that were previously not accessible for our young people,” said Mnguni.
Mnguni also said Aquaculture, manufacturing and fishing are some of the sectors that the youth can tap into through the assistance of the dti.
“The Youth Enterprise Development Strategy approved last year by Minister Rob Davies includes Business Development Services, Incubation for Youth Enterprises and mentorship and coaching amongst others,” added Mnguni.
A co-founder of the newly formalised youth cooperative Zandla Zolutsha (Hands of Young People), Mr Xolani Mtshemla said the registration process was a blessing for their cooperative since its inception in 2011.
Mtshemla added that the cooperative certificate that they have received will also encourage other young people to approach the dti for assistance and support in order to prosper in their businesses.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Twitter: @the_dti
