The opening day of the recent Makers Fest 2024 was marked by a display of innovation and entrepreneurship at the National Entrepreneurship Inter-College Finals. Young entrepreneurs from TVET institutions nationwide took the stage to pitch their groundbreaking business ideas, offering a glimpse into the future of South Africa's artisan trades and industries. The importance of these trade skills was underscored by the revelation that 75% of jobs in the future green economy will be held by artisans with trade skills.

Celebrating TVET Talent and Innovation

A total of 36 talented finalists—leveraging the skills and knowledge honed through their Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education—competed for the top awards. Winners received R50,000, while Runners-Up were awarded R30,000 each to kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys.

The awards recognised visionary business concepts across four competitive categories:

Category: I Have a Business Idea

• Winner: Cyril Masivhenge, Nkangala TVET College
• Runner-Up: Melusi Nzama, Majuba TVET College

Category: I Have an Artisanal Business

• Winner: Khwezi Agyapong, Majuba TVET College
• Runner-Up: Wilmore Choto, College of Cape Town

Category: I Have a Tech Business

• Winner: Mohau Tau, Motheo TVET College
• Runner-Up: Lungisa Sibonza, Enhlanzeni TVET College

Category: I Have a General Business

• Winner: Liza Basegi, Ekurhuleni West TVET College
• Runner-Up: Rashaad Sambaba, False Bay TVET College

The Sleeping Giant of South Africa’s Economy

Seth Mulli, Programme Director for Allan Gray Makers, highlighted the immense opportunities within the technical and vocational trades industry—a sector often overlooked, but one which Allan Gray Makers sees as the ‘Sleeping Giant’ of South Africa’s economy. Mulli emphasised the sector’s capacity to create employment and income-earning opportunities for young people.

In his address to the winners, runners-up, and finalists, Mulli encouraged them to persist on their entrepreneurial journey:

"It is important to recognise the technical talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation that resides within the artisan trades sector, which is why the celebration of these future thinkers and entrepreneurs at events like Makers Fest is essential. Together, our collective effort can create collective impact."

About Makers Fest

The Allan Gray Makers Fest is an annual event dedicated to exploring the critical role of technical and vocational trades in advancing South Africa’s economy. The fest brings together key players from the TVET ecosystem to share insights, drive innovation, and build the skills needed for a sustainable future.

Makers Fest 2024: Building a Green Future

This year’s Makers Fest 2024 focused on the transition to a green economy, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents for the technical trades sector. The event aims to prepare the TVET ecosystem for the demands of a sustainable future, spotlighting entrepreneurial opportunities in green trades and fostering innovation in sustainable practices within technical fields.

Through this initiative, Makers Fest contributes to South Africa's broader goals for sustainable development and economic growth.

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Issued by: Tishala Communications

Total Words: 500