The Philippi Economic Development Initiative (Pedi), together with the provincial Department of Local Government, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and various other stakeholders, hosted a Greater Philippi Local Business Drive at Browns Farm Community Hall in Browns Farm, Philippi, on Thursday 8 October.

Young business owners from wards 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 80 and 88 attended the event.

The aim is to compile a database of all small businesses so they can be supported.

A great step towards the future

Pedi stakeholder management Sonwabile Dwangu described the initiative as a great step towards the future.

“There are many businesses that are not registered and others that are not compliant. Our aim is to assist them with whatever they need so they can access funding. We also want to know what kinds of businesses there are, or who is doing what, so when there is an opportunity, we know who to contact,” said Dwangu.

He said they want business owners to feel safe because local businesses are at risk. He noted that many businesses had closed because of extortion.

“We want to find ways for them to operate so they can keep their businesses. Sometimes it is not necessary to go out there on the street. They can operate from home and people place orders. So, we need to sit down together and find ways to operate,” he said.

NYDA offers funding and training

NYDA Western Cape regional manager Lulamile Milan said their job is to empower young people in business to flourish by providing financial support.

“We are working with young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who are in business. We support them with funds to grow their businesses. We don’t only fund them, we also take them through a five-day business training programme so they can manage their businesses,” said Milan.

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Bringing hope to young business owners

Greater Philippi Ephilileyo Safety and Development Forum chairperson Lizwi Nyandu described the initiative as bringing hope to young business owners. He described Philippi as a business hub.

“We want to assist and groom them to become well-known businesspeople. We want to create a platform where they can share ideas as well,” said Nyandu, adding that they also want to change the negative perception people have about Philippi.

I didn’t know about the NYDA

One of the young businesspeople, Babalwa Louw (37), who makes and sells beads, described the event as a good initiative. She said she was unaware of the NYDA.

“I didn’t know about the NYDA. I thought only well-known businesses were entitled to funding. But I will get my business registered and apply for funds as well,” said Louw.