Nqobile Nkosi is the proud owner of NQ Jewellery Design Services, the first black-owned jewellery manufacturing and retail business in Soweto. The business uses precious stones such as silver, gold, platinum and diamonds to manufacture jewellery.
Photo caption: Ponstho Kopung attending to a client.
The beauty of an entrepreneur
Young and driven, Pontsho Kopung (25) is the owner of Setsoto Hair and Beauty Salon. Based in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, the salon offers a wide range of beauty treatments including manicures and pedicures.
In March 2011, DMT Agricultural Services Co-operative acquired a R2,5 million loan through the National Youth Development Agency’s (NYDA) SME Funding Programme. The young entrepreneurs grow plants such as tea tree and lemongrass for essential oils as well as vegetables such as maize, cabbage, spinach, green pepper, potatoes and butternut.
Photo caption: Sebenza Nathi graduates.
Eleven graduates now have a bright future after graduating from the Sebenza Nathi Project. The project, headed by the Gauteng region Department of Water Affairs and the Gauteng based Rand Water Foundation, is aimed at fighting unemployment by developing skills amongst the youth.
Samona Murugan
Photo caption: Xolile Mabika.
For 21-year-old Xolile Mabika of Jozini village in KwaZulu-Natal, the thought of ever sailing the seven seas and be- coming the captain of a ship someday was just a dream. But now, thanks government and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), she is on the fast track to making her dream a reality.
Photo caption: Abel Malebela
Hard work pays
Losing his job at the age of 44 after suffering a stroke, Abel Malebela was faced with the daunting reality of not knowing how he would provide for his family. “I have two daughters, aged 14 and 17, to support, so sitting at home was not an option.”
Louise van Niekerk
The development of young scientists and engineers is among the major benefits of the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project. South African universities are therefore keen to make the most of the opportunities offered by the project. A total of 23 universities and other research organisations have already benefited from research grants. The project is also reaching out to schools, especially in the Northern Cape.
Gabi Khumalo
Photo caption: Government is committed to creating job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Photo caption: Steady progress is being made in promoting disability rights
Mob justice or plain injustice?
Mthunzi Mhaga
Hardly a week passes without us hearing about a suspect killed by members of the community in so-called mob justice. The concept of mob justice has created an impression that there is an alternative form of justice other than that of the courts.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decisions to charge accused motorists with murder instead of culpable homicide (an act of killing not regarded as murder) in the event of a crash where someone was killed, has caused great confusion. Many people believe that car accidents resulting in death are regarded as culpable homicide as no one would deliberately crash his or her car to kill someone.