Published in the The Herald (South Africa) on 5 September
By Roslyn Baatjies
VALUABLE INFORMATION: Nelson Mandela University social work student Lisa Mintoor with entrepreneurs Kaylene Harker (Kay Nailed It) and Shelley Joy Jansen (Soldier on Sister nail studio) at the Ebenezer International Church’s North Campus in Timothy Valley. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
The initiative, held at the Ebenezer International Church’s North Campus in Timothy Valley yesterday, was the brainchild of fourth-year Nelson Mandela University social work student Lisa Mintoor.
She brought together about 50 residents from the Timothy Valley and Jacksonville areas and four entrepreneurs whose businesses included a business consultancy, a photographic service and nail bars.
“At the CMR-PE [nonprofit organisation] I am currently doing my case, community and group work as part of my finalyear practicum.
“They focus on child protection, so I fall under what they are busy doing,” Mintoor said.
As part of the practical component of her studies, she did a needs assessment and realised how big the unemployment problem was in the northern areas.
“In the northern areas, many people are unemployed for multiple reasons.
“This initiative encourages people not to wait on others to do it for them; they can create opportunities for themselves.
“This is what today is about; to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among those who attend today’s session.”
Mintoor said she and the staff at CMR-PE had invited people identified from their case files as well as residents who lived near Ebenezer North.
Information was shared by photographer Harold Kleinhans about how to register a business and where and how to apply for funding.
Entrepreneur Kaylene Harker said she was employed in 2020 and did nails as a hobby but the hobby became her business six months ago.
“In 2022, I found myself unemployed and wondered how I was going to earn an income.
“Early last year, my friend asked why I do not turn my hobby into a way to generate income.”
Harker said she started by doing a short course and in March she officially opened her business.
“Start small. Start with the little you have.
“You will see the fruits of your labour.”
The residents who attended the session said they had gained valuable information.
Inathi Matisi said she had learnt not to give up when it was difficult to get a business going.
“I learnt to not let anything destroy my passion.
“In addition, to ensure my business is a success I have to stick to what is written in my business policies,” Matisi said.