This year 2014 South Africa celebrates two decade’s experience in
democracy, it is clear a lot has been achieved since then. On the other hand our
country is still struggling with economic inequalities challenges inherited
from the very past, which hit particularly hard to the previously disadvantaged
black communities. We have the political freedom and that has not yet translated
to the economic freedom for most South African.
Evidently the alarmingly rate of unemployment leaves a massive gap
between rich and poor, the recent 2008 RECESSION compounded this challenge and
set us ten steps back. There is hope this
challenge and it is the opportunity we have as South Africans to establish
enterprises that will not only grow our economy but that will absorb the
majority of unemployed people. In this way, people will be able to participate
in the growth and development of families, communities the country and
ultimately our economy. This should not be done in big scales only; a well ran
spaza (mini-shop) can contribute well, thinks about this a thousand of spaza business
around the country taking two people each, the impact is great and the families
that benefit from these is a seed that could potentially be a Bamboo tree.
Aspiring entrepreneur you need to identify what you are good at,
enjoy doing claim your talents and your skills that you possess. Beware of your
experiences they could be claimed as strengths that you could depend on while
the areas you not good at you can
partner with others with that skill and we would be amazed on the things
that can be achieve when people work in partnership. There are no short cuts, understanding that
perseverance and personal development is key to realize the dream, take a risk
don’t allow yourself to settle in that comfortable zone, challenge yourself and
remember, excuses are the absence of the desired results, therefore we need courageous
entrepreneurs dedicated individuals and leaders political and otherwise who
will lead with the intention to grow and develop the entrepreneurial flair to
which our country would thrive.
Parallel to that we must vigorously empower the present and coming
generations with tools to undertake this with ease and courage by teaching mind
and instill the mental ability to develop resilience and power that will not
rest nor quite till successful results are attained. Thinking and acting in the
entrepreneurial space must be a habit for us to thrive in this league. This is a journey that we need to undertake
for the next twenty year to plant this seed, it takes five years for a bamboo
seed to give a spring yet when it does it grows in leap and bounds the stronger
the roots and foundation the stronger the tree and the greater the benefit. 1994
marks the first step towards the birth to our political freedom and now the
next step is financial and economic freedom. All South Africans this is a call
to commit ourselves to this goal from government, cooperate, NPO’s, schools,
professionals and communities out there. This we can win the legacy we shall
leave its fruits will be enjoyed for years long after we have crossed over. 