Children not prepared as entrepreneurs
ALEXANDRA - An Alex youth has attributed the slow economic growth in Alexandra to institutions not preparing children to function in the economic sector.
An Alex youth has attributed the slow economic growth in Alexandra to institutions not preparing children to function in the economic sector.
This was said from a background of high youth unemployment, crime and the city’s Jozi@Work programme, which will engage residents in local development initiatives. In the process, they will be expected to acquire skills and strengthen their businesses to enable them to bid for more work with the city.
Andrew Makatu of Boholo Co-operative said Alexandra’s population was predominantly youths. Many of them he said, have tertiary and technical qualifications, but roamed the streets and in desperation, engaged in anti-social activities such as substance abuse, crime and sex resulting in teenage pregnancies, fatherless children and the loss of a future national human resource. “This results from the education system which does not give children life skills, but makes them absorb information uncritically for future use only as employees. This leads to their frustration when, after completing school, they can’t get employment resulting in them resorting to crime to survive. The school system does not provide them with skills to think independently about positive means for survival.” He said they were then approached with opportunities to start businesses, but the education system has not prepared them for business.
Makatu also made reference to local mostly family-owned small and micro enterprises which he said were not contributing to the local economy, but were surviving on renting premises to others. “They are rented to non-citizens with no guarantee that their gains will circulate in the local economy and generate local employment. This is enslaving the local economic generation and threatens the succession of the businesses by the youths who should be the future local entrepreneurs.” He expressed concern that some of the shops may be rented through verbal contracts with unclear terms and conditions, which may be challenged resulting in possible loss of family business and inheritance by children who will be thrust into poverty. This he said would continue the current struggle for land and property rights in the area.
Makatu also challenged local institutions he said denied children opportunities for development. This was in reference to Thusong Youth Centre and San Kopano Community Centre, which he said should be well resourced and managed to empower children with life skills, career guidance and essential support to keep them focused on their self development and a better future. “They should be incubators for the development of our future leaders and human resource.”
Details: Andrew Makatu; 073 772 7453.
