The second instalment of the Charged Up Entrepreneurship Africa Network (CUEAN) was officially launched at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) on August 21.
This year’s network focuses on job creation and sustaining small businesses.
According to the CUEAN founder, Ntsako Mahlaule, entrepreneurship is a powerful force for change. She firmly believes it is the key to tackling South Africa’s most pressing issues – unemployment, poverty, and social inequality.
“Through Charged Up, I have not only built a better life for myself, but also created opportunities for my employees to improve theirs. This ripple effect is what inspires me. Successful businesses lead to better lives. By empowering more entrepreneurs we can collectively uplift our communities and create a brighter future for all,” Mahlaule said.
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She noted that South Africa’s unemployment rate is around 33.5%, with youth unemployment exceeding 40%, and emphasised that entrepreneurship can play a vital role in reducing this by creating new jobs.
“Start-ups and small businesses can create new job opportunities, contributing significantly to the job market. In South Africa, small and medium-sized enterprises are considered the backbone of the economy and their growth is crucial for reducing unemployment.” Mahlaule said.
According to her entrepreneurship also fosters innovation, driving economic growth and creating new industries. “By introducing novel technologies and streamlined processes, entrepreneurs can propel the nation towards a more competitive and resource-efficient future.”
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This second edition of CUEAN aimed to inspire hope and confidence in aspiring entrepreneurs while supporting existing businesses to sustain.
Mahlaule is committed to making entrepreneurship a catalyst for transforming lives.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Theo Baloyi, group CEO and founder of Bathu.
The topics he will discuss includes:
• Entrepreneurship
• Access to funding
• Brand positioning
• Leadership
• Job creation and economic growth
• Innovation
• Sustainability.
CUEAN has partnered with MTN, Entrepreneurship Business and Literacy led by Dr Thabo Pitso Sedibe, Street Legacy, and the UMP to host the Charged Up Pitching masterclass and competition, which will be free to attend.
The masterclass and pitching competition will take place at the UMP on October 31.
Entrepreneurs are invited to attend. They will have 90 seconds each to pitch their business ideas.
Winners will be announced on November 1 and will receive prizes.
The main event will also take place on November 1 at the Emnotweni Arena.
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Tumelo Waga Dibakwane
www.citizen.co.za
