Langa pupils showcase entrepreneurial talents

Young entrepreneurs from Langa, all in Grade 7, showcased their business ventures during a Market Day on Saturday, August 30, following a six-month training programme run by the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy.

The 40 pupils, representing different schools, started businesses selling items such as food, artwork, and bracelets. There were creative food stalls, original artwork, and carnival games, all designed and run by the pupils themselves.

The programme included mentorship, marketing, and financial workshops from a retail bank, as well as product sponsorship from a retail supermarket.

Litha Mjamba, 13, who, together with her friends, ran the Fun Art Shop, said the programme gave them new skills. “I came to VUSA knowing nothing, but I can now draw art and make bracelets. I remember dirtying our hands with paint until our teacher taught us. We used to get our hands dirty with paint to gain knowledge. But we had vision. Finally, we were taught skills, and now we can draw,” she said.

Her business partner, Isiphiwe Gwiliza, said, “Had we not attended the training, we would not have been part of Market Day. We have learned a lot, and we are grateful for that. Our teachers were patient with us, and now we are going to make our parents and teachers proud. We are business people too.”

The Fun Art Shop was run by Litha, Zizo Ngcoza, Asemahle Mphemba, and Isiphile Gwiliza, who said they plan to continue studying business at school.

VUSA chief executive officer Nikki Matthews said the programme helps children build skills they can carry into the future. “These children are discovering that with the right tools, they can turn ideas into action. It’s not only about launching businesses; it is about building confidence and capability,” she said.

Programme manager Lebo Mokoena said the initiative started eight months ago with a simple idea. “Bit by bit, the children learned how to budget, how to communicate with their target market, and all that culminated in Market Day. They are turning their environment into an opportunity and learning that change starts with them. The benefit of today is that hopefully, the young children see that it does not take much to make a difference in their community and that they can support themselves while also making a difference for others,” she said.

Parents also praised the programme. Nomathemba Zifo said it was a positive initiative, but should cater to older children too. “It helps us a lot. It does not give them time to loiter around. They come from school, and immediately a transport picks them up for the programme. When they arrive, it is too late; they need to do their homework. But I feel the age group should be extended to 17. Remember, from 14, that is where the problem of puberty starts. It could be better if the programme could be extended to that age group,” she said.

In response, Ms Matthews said extending the programme was something they would like to do, but budget constraints made it difficult.

The Market Day also included a rugby match between VUSA’s U13 team and Western Province Prep School, which was attended by parents, schools, and community partners.

The day also featured a spirited U13 rugby derby between VUSA and Western Province Prep School, bringing together parents, schools, and community partners.