Publisher

Just like a small child who is learning to walk needs help to take its first steps, a young business needs help to get started. 

Many small businesses fail even though young entrepreneurs have the knowledge and skills to run their own businesses. A study by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund has shown that this is because young people lack business experience and mentors. 

Important role

In the early 1970s, there was a serious shortage of oil in the world. This caused economic hardship. It was during this time that it was decided to get the world's most powerful economies together to find solutions to the world's problems. 

In 1975, seven rich countries came together to form what was then known as the world's group of seven industrialised nations. They became know as the G7 countries. Their aim was to work together to create a better world. 

The old form of governance where the chief gathers around his subjects in a large kraal to discuss issues affecting his people, has similarities with government's imbizo progamme.

Although the communities have grown larger and their needs and problems are different, government is using the traditional imbizo method successfully to attend to the needs of the people.

Checking up

Thanks to government's introduction of computer technology at Abel T Motshoane School in Mabopane, North West, learners are functioning on a new level. 

Learners at the school are now using laptop computers that in the past were thought to be meant only for high-powered business people.

Computer skills

• prevent high blood pressure, hip fractures and lower back pain
• promote psychological wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety and depression,
• control weight

Avoiding the debt trap

Studying at a tertiary institution after school is an important step towards your future career. You put a lot of money and effort into your studies, so if you decide to study at a private institution, make sure it is not a fly-by-night one.

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Honouring rural women

To make sure food is produced and that there is enough to eat, the world relies on farms. Many people who work on farms are women in rural areas.

These women should be treated with respect, because they contribute to the wellbeing of families and the development of rural economies.

Tribute

Government is set to announce the country's budget for 2008. This means we will know how much money government will spend and what it will be spent on during the year. 

The different national departments will each receive a set amount of money to help government to achieve its aims of creating a better life for all.

Economic growth