By Zimasa Mbovane
In a country like South Africa with an increasing number of qualified graduates, poverty, unemployment and inequality (PUI) rates remain high. Dr Thami Mazwai, a former journalist, apartheid activist, and founder of Mtiya Dynamics (MD), a company focused on enterprise and supplier development, shared his important insights on the critical issue, that is, revitalizing entrepreneurship to create sustainable economic and social change. “Our country is grappling with worsening poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These problems won’t be solved by grants and handouts,” Dr Mazwai emphasized.
On the 1st of October 2024, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI), in partnership with the Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA) and the Madibaz Youth Entrepreneurship Lab (MYEL), hosted a business conversation event focusing on the rise of entrepreneurship in townships. Dr Mazwai, driven by his background as an apartheid activist, is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship in townships. His personal experiences highlighted the importance of redefining social change and shifting the perception that entrepreneurship is only for those with formal education.
Drawing on his experiences, Dr Mazwai discussed the challenges faced by past generations of entrepreneurs, such as difficulties in obtaining permits, premises, training, and other essential resources to kickstart a business. He stressed the remarkable need to focus on the bottom of the pyramid (BOP), advocating for increased support for underprivileged communities through entrepreneurship. When asked for advice to current township entrepreneurs, Dr Mazwai ascertained, “Entrepreneurship will always be a key driver of social change. If you don’t act now, time and resources won’t wait for your indecision. Start where you are, with what you have, to create sustainability and grow your community.”
It is of paramount significance that the value of entrepreneurship initiatives in townships create a robust entrepreneurial landscape that will forever be there, building towards a context that will enhance productivity, at the same time striving towards sustainability and social change. As we look into the future, entrepreneurship remains a pivotal force of redefining social transformation. All this can be done through harnessing creativity and skills of not overlooking township entrepreneurs, but through unlocking their pathways to social equity and resilience.
Published October 2024.