Unlocking youth entrepreneurship in Tshwane

The Metropolitan Collective Shapers initiative aims to invigorate youth economically through knowledge, skills and enabling a sustainable future to reach their entrepreneurship goals and empower their communities. By garnering the already present passion for interests that youth have in an area, the programme aims to instil generational knowledge and new ways of running existing businesses.

The South African youth unemployment rate is alarmingly high, which is leading to more young people turning to entrepreneurship as a solution to changing the trajectory and creating economic activity in their communities. Supporting youth entrepreneurship is a critical task that requires collective efforts because by supporting the youth, young people are given the opportunity to attain their business goals and minimise the number of youth who continue to experience challenging business environments and outcomes.

UPLIFTING TSHWANE

After a successful pilot in 2021 in Polokwane, the Metropolitan’s Collective Shapers programme is launching in Tshwane, focusing on youth-owned businesses in the food and hospitality sector. The initiative, which will be rolled out in conjunction with BPO Skills Academy – an accredited education services organisation that provides specialist skills development and job creation programmes for the youth nationally – will see participants upskilled on the practical and business sides of the hospitality and food industry.

Metropolitan has also partnered with Value ed – an organisation that offers developmental programmes online for future leaders – and they will be providing entrepreneurial skills training, as well as soft and mindset skills throughout the immersive five-month business programme for start-ups. “Polokwane was a proof point that there are young people out there who have the hunger and drive to grow their businesses, but only lack the relevant support and knowledge,” says Phumla Mavundla, head of Marketing: Product and Channel at Metropolitan. “The initiative is close to our hearts because it is not about throwing money at the youth unemployment problem in the hopes that it will fix itself, but rather about giving youth tools to create long-lasting and sustainable opportunities that can become solutions for themselves and broader Tshwane communities and beyond.” she adds.

Youth living in Tshwane between the ages of 18 and 34, who are already active in the food and hospitality sector, are encouraged to apply to be part of the programme at www.metropolitan.co.za. Applicants must be permanent residents in South Africa, as well as have a registered business in the food and hospitality sector that’s been in operation for no fewer than two years, with the business being at least 51% black owned.

“Metropolitan is committed to the social advancement of our country. As a brand that is passionate about community and youth development, we understand that the influence on a person can trickle into the broader community. With this initiative, Metropolitan hopes to enable sustainable business development for generations to come,” concludes Mavundla.

People in and around Tshwane can support the initiative by sharing the message far and wide, because together we can. Phumla Mavundla, head of Marketing: Product & Channel, Metropolitan

Peter Tshiguvho, CEO, Metropolitan

Nontokozo Madonsela, CMO, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings

Prep time: 45 minutes plus 2 hours marinating, Cook time:60 min, Serves: 6

Chakalaka adds a punch to braai chicken and pap. It’s a South African classic that’s budget-friendly too!

Ingredients: Chicken 1 x chicken braai pack (16 pieces) salt and pepper 250ml BBQ sauce

Pap 2l water 15ml salt 700ml maize meal 400ml cream 50g butter

Chakalaka 20ml canola oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 thumb ginger, grated 1 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 1 red peppers, finely chopped 2 carrots, grated 30ml curry powder 30ml brown sugar 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 x 400g tin red kidney beans salt and pepper

Method: Chicken Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Braai the pieces over a high heat to add colour and crispiness; then move them over to a lower heat. Baste the chicken pieces with the BBQ sauce regularly, turning often, until cooked through. This takes approximately 40 minutes.

Pap Bring the water and salt to the boil. Slowly add the maize meal, whisking continuously. Put the lid on the pot and turn the heat down once the water and meal have been combined and there are no lumps. Allow the pap to cook for 10 – 15 minutes. Stir in the cream and butter, and season to taste.

Chakalaka Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli. Sauté until soft. Add the red peppers and carrots, and cook for a further two minutes. Add the curry powder and brown sugar, and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and beans, and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer until reduced. Add salt and pepper.

Tender n Tasty