The youth of Mamelodi have a one-stop shop for skills to boost their entrepreneurial aspirations after the University of Pretoria (UP) formally unveiled the revitalised Mamelodi Business Hub (MBH) recently.

Launched by UP and established in collaboration with UNICEF South Africa and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Hub on the Mamelodi Campus offers young people in Mamelodi and further afield the opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The Hub has been reborn as a space for youth to grasp opportunities to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, transforming their social and economic prospects and, at the same time, improving the well-being of their communities and the country.

“Mindful of the challenges facing youth and our nation, as a university, we strive to become integral to providing sustainable solutions, as it is on this initiative with committed partners. Our vision for the Mamelodi Business Hub is for it to become a centre of township revival, producing entrepreneurs who will contribute towards making a societal impact on their communities,” says UP Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Themba Mosia.

Originally known as the Mamelodi Business Clinic, the Hub was established in 2011 by the Department of Business Management in UP’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences to enable community development through innovative interventions and enhance the development of entrepreneurs in the local community.

Although relaunched in May 2022, the unveiling of the Hub, which now provides a significant boost for the youth of Mamelodi township via a booking system to utilise the space, took place on 15 September 2023.

Quality-driven community engagement initiatives

The unveiling cements the solid strategic partnership between UP, PwC and UNICEF South Africa, built on the united vision of a shared social impact. PwC and UNICEF funded and advised UP on the Hub's new business model and programme.

“For over a decade, the Hub has modestly ensured that entrepreneurship becomes embedded in the Department of Business Management’s quality-driven community engagement initiatives that drive social impact through interdisciplinary-oriented programmes. We are proud that the rebirth of the Hub emerges out of a greater vision for South Africa and Africa,” adds Professor Alex Antonites, Head of UP’s Department Business Management.

In a positive step for the youth of Mamelodi township, for the first time, entrepreneurs can book time slots to utilise the space for meetings and collaborations with various stakeholders.

The Hub will also play a key role in helping to develop women’s leadership skills, introducing the fourth industrial revolution, and co-creating innovative products and services for young entrepreneurs via UP’s interdisciplinary-orientated teams and strategic partners.

In addition, it plans on merging the needs of the micro-business environment in Mamelodi with the skills of UP undergraduate and postgraduate students, creating a base for collaborative international research and showcasing a unique entrepreneurship enablement model to be replicated in South Africa and Africa with university partners.

“Our partners, PwC and UNICEF South Africa, have empowered us at UP to take a significant step toward addressing the profound challenge of unemployment in South Africa, especially among the youth. This exemplifies the 'thuma mina' attitude,” adds Professor Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Proving skills for a fast-changing world

Shirley Machaba, PwC South Africa CEO, says aligning to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a  greater impact is part of PwC’s societal purpose strategy.

"The collaboration between PwC, UP and UNICEF allows us to focus on these thematic areas, specifically quality education, decent work and economic growth and reducing inequalities by bridging the skills gap in communities lacking opportunities. Young people must be allowed to be educated, work and be innovative. By improving the chances of employability and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in the youth through the Mamelodi Business Hub, we are giving rise to positive transformation in South Africa and on the continent. PwC is proud to be part of this initiative, drawing on our firm's skills, resources and experience to be a force for good.”

Marthle du Plessis, PwC Africa Workforce of the Future Leader, says there is no greater way to make an impact than to provide youth with the skills, resources and platforms they need to survive and thrive in a fast-changing world.

“We are proud to have assisted UNICEF South Africa and the University of Pretoria in launching the Mamelodi Business Hub as we are seeing a daily impact in the lives of countless youth. As a firm, we are committed to empowering young, talented people with the required skills to succeed. Key to this is bridging the stark digital divide that exists. While this is a complex problem that requires all stakeholders to work together, we have shown that through the launch of this centre, it is possible to make the world a more resilient, capable and inclusive space."

Testimonials

Carto Abrams-Swarts, from the Department of Business Management at UP, describes the Hub’s transformative presence in the community “as a beacon of hope and progress”.

“It symbolises not just economic growth but also the empowerment of our community's dreams and aspirations. It's a testament to the belief that by nurturing local talent and fostering innovation, we can collectively shape a brighter future for all,” she adds.

Some of the five inspiring entrepreneurs, part of the “break and build” initiative, shared their experiences during the unveiling.

Lebogang Lebese says the Hub is a life-changing initiative that will prepare Mamelodi entrepreneurs for the employment of today and, more importantly, the occupations of tomorrow. "The upskilling assistance will allow Mamelodians to thrive economically in South Africa and the world."

Reatile Moalusi adds that among the benefits of being part of the Hub is its networking opportunities, connecting businesses with various stakeholders. “The thoughtfully designed interior fosters a creative and inspired atmosphere which, in turn, encourages the pursuit of excellence and innovation.”

Busiswe Ghazu says being part of the unveiling was akin to a moment in history as the Mamelodi Business Hub offers the beginning of a brighter future for all in the township.

More than 2 000 young people trained

"Empowering South Africa's youth with entrepreneurial opportunities is not just a priority; it's our pathway to a brighter future. Through collaboration with UNICEF's Generation Unlimited initiative, we're lighting the way for young minds to shape their destinies, uplifting themselves, their communities and our nation," says UP’s Samantha Rabie.

UNICEF South Africa’s Chief of Education, Hana Yoshimoto, says the organisation is proud that the Generation Unlimited collaboration with PwC and the University of Pretoria responds to the pressing issue of limited access to youth-focused business development services in township and rural areas.

She adds that UNICEF South Africa is pleased that over 2 000 young people in the Mamelodi township and beyond have benefited from this partnership's face-to-face and online entrepreneurship training.

“We look forward to scaling this up beyond Gauteng province to ensure that every young entrepreneur is included, starting with the upcoming pilot in the Northern Cape. This hub, strategically located in the heart of Mamelodi, serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth in Mamelodi, who are pivotal to the community's advancement.”