Four budding entrepreneurs who completed a course at the Mamelodi Business Hub (MBH) were invited to sell their products at a pop-up shop event at PwC South Africa’s Waterfall offices in the last week of June, as part of a Youth Month initiative. The MBH, launched by the University of Pretoria (UP) through UNICEF South Africa’s collaboration with PwC, has provided many young, ambitious entrepreneurs with the opportunity to build their business skills and learn about long-term sustainable entrepreneurship development.

 

The four companies which the entrepreneurs showcased on the day were baked goods and achaar maker Dee’s Kitchen; handcrafted candle manufacturer Teboho & Co; clothing maker Township Luxury; and Tosh Detergents.

 

In a remarkable show of support from PwC staff, the pop-up shop event was a hit, with entrepreneurs enjoying a successful day of selling all their goods while gaining practical experience and encouragement.

 

The outreach was held under the 2023 Youth Month theme: ‘Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future’, through the PwC and UNICEF South Africa collaboration.

 

Marthle du Plessis, PwC Africa Workforce of the Future Platform Leader, said initiatives like this are catalysts for positive change where the needs of society are being met. “Our collaboration with UNICEF and the University of Pretoria enables entrepreneurs to make a difference in their local communities and contribute more widely to South Africa’s economy. As a business, we play a critical role in helping to uplift those who are passionate and determined to improve their lives. It is important to invest in the youth’s skill sets and provide them with opportunities to make a greater impact on society. Experiences like the pop-up shop are not only valuable because they are practical, but helped these four entrepreneurs to make meaningful connections for the future.” 

 

Dion Shango, PwC Africa CEO, said: " We were pleased to host these young entrepreneurs at our Waterfall office, as they were able to put their business skills to good use. It is encouraging to see how many young and talented youth benefit from projects like the Mamelodi Business Hub, as the knowledge and skills they have gained will benefit a wider network of people, such as their families and communities. At PwC, we value collaborations such as this one, as it enables us to live our purpose of building trust in society and solving important problems. In a society that faces ongoing challenges of poverty and unemployment, the sharing of important business skills is crucial, and we are happy to be playing a supportive role in it."

 

Excited at the outcome, entrepreneur Lufuno Rasoesoe, who owns Tosh Detergents, described the experience as excellent. “We have never made such sales in one day. It was productive, and I wish we could do it monthly.”

 

“Thank you for an incredible day, platform, and hospitality. The PwC staff was receptive, open-minded and generous with making purchases. We look forward to the next one with excitement,” said Lebogang Khumalo, the owner of the clothing brand Township Luxury.

 

Handcrafted candle maker Tebogo Ntisa said this opportunity was truly appreciated. “It helped with product development and feedback. It was an eye-opener in terms of making us aware of how valuable our products are.”

 

“Given the challenges that young people face to transition from learning to earning in South Africa, UNICEF is proud to support and engage budding entrepreneurs through our partnership with PWC and UP to promote sustainable small businesses,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa representative.

 

“Nurturing the energy, creativity and skills of young entrepreneurs today will help them to build their own businesses and inspire others along the same path towards a more prosperous future,” added Muhigana.  

 

Prof Alex Antonites, Head of the Department of Business Management at UP, said this event is an example of the mission of the Mamelodi Business Hub in action. He explained that the partnership between UP, PwC and UNICEF had elevated the impact that the MBH has on local entrepreneurs seeking assistance to make a success of their businesses. “Events such as the pop-up shop take the entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones and reaffirm that there is a demand and place in the market for their goods. That sparks the confidence that will see these entrepreneurs soaring to even greater heights with their businesses.

 

“The University of Pretoria conveys its deep gratitude for the opportunity to join forces with PwC and UNICEF South Africa, aiming towards enhancing long-term, sustainable entrepreneurship development. We extend our hearty congratulations to these rising entrepreneurial stars and eagerly await to witness the thriving success of your scalable business models,” Prof Antonites concluded.

 

A beaming Ms Debbie Mdlongwa, founder and owner of Dee's Kitchen, said one of the best ways to market your products is through storytelling, and she is proud of the success of the pop-up shop experience at PwC Waterfall. “It was a successful day. It gives me such a sense of pride to know how people feel about what I've created, especially receiving customer feedback and suggestions. We'd like to thank PwC, the University of Pretoria and UNICEF for making it possible for us to market our brands in their workspace.”