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In South Africa the word tekkie is generally used to describe sneakers, but Lesego Gumede’s Sneaker Cleanic business has ignited a flame of hope for a better future to his employees who wash sneakers on a daily basis.

Sneaker Cleanic is a shoe-cleaning business that started as a casual conversation between colleagues. 

Meet Makatu Tshi- vhula, a young entrepreneur who went from working at a candle manufacturing factory to owning one.

The 26-year-old from Soweto is the founder of The Light Candles, a company he started in February 2020. Their catalogue ranges from regular household to fancy scented candles. His candles are popular among churches, traditional healers and event organisers.

Dear Vuk’uzenzele

My name is Thandekile Luthuli.
I am interested in poultry farming. Please can you assist me with more information on funding opportunities.

Warm regards  
Thandekile

Reply
Dear Thandekile,
Thank you for your query. 
The following government agencies will able to assist you with starting a poultry farm.

1. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) National Information Centre: 0860 103 703.
    Email: info@seda.org.za

Bonginkosi Hlatshwayo resigned from his job as a landscaper in 2022 to start his own garden design business. 

Soon after, the 30-year-old from eMbalenhle in Secunda, Mpumalanga, started Natty Plantscapers

"I worked at Rothe Plantscapers as a plant scaper. The knowledge I gained there, along with my mom's teachings about plants, inspired me to start my own business,” he said.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in addressing challenges that face the youth.

“We are all aware of the challenges that the current generation of youth face which include poverty, social inequality, poor mental health and high levels of unemployment. 

The Department of Health has received a batch of monkeypox (mpox) specific treatment, Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX or ST-246) for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of the mpox disease. 

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla recently declared that South Africa had an mpox outbreak.

Please see answers for July edition 1

ACROSS

1. Zenzelayo
2. Titok
3. Pun 
4. Gas
5. Mute 
6. Dion 
7. Spaza
8. Sindisiwe

DOWN

In the lush landscapes of Tsolo, Eastern Cape,  Nceba Mkuyana's farming journey depicts a journey of perseverance and passion. 
Born and raised in the village of Mjika Mqobiso, Mkuyana's journey into agriculture began at the age of nine, encouraged by the guidance of his late father.

I used to help my father when he was busy in the garden. He taught me how to farm on communal land and how to maintain my plants,” Mkuyana said.