MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The Provincial government has given three young women in Mahikeng starter packages worth R20 000 each to grow and establish their businesses in the ever-growing cosmetic and beauty industry.
The young women from villages around the capital Mahikeng have been ready to operate, but just needed a financial nudge to realise their dreams. “We have been through courses on business start-ups from department of economic development, environment, conservation and tourism and have been waiting for this opportunity”, says the elated Lesedi Motlhageng from Masutlhe 2.
“I applied late last year when I first heard that government can give us assistance as a springboard to launch our businesses”. My portfolio in this cut-throat beauty industry is as a nails technician, hairdressing and makeup artist, continues Motlhageng. “I currently do not have a place where I run my business, therefore I rely on house calls or going to clients to as far as Mahikeng.
“With the money I got from government, I intend to expand my business while nurturing other young women to grow in this industry. “My long term goal is to have an academy where I will teach those willing to learn, though I realise the downside of it might be an increased competition for the clients”, laughs 26-years old Motlhageng.
MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said many wonderful dreams die because some brilliant minds do not get financial help from the financial institutions.
“It is a tricky situation”, Mokgosi noted, adding that government hopes that the beneficiaries will not let us down. “There has been many pockets of success in giving young women a start to establish their businesses. I hope by the end of this financial year, there will be good testimony from these young ladies. This affords them a good chance to take part in the mainstream economy”.
“Our involvement with these young women does not end here. We will link them with the department of economic development, environment, conservation and tourism, where they will receive guidance on how to successfully run their businesses. This gesture is in line with the departmental policy on economic strengthening of individuals, households and communities to reduce dependence on the state,” said Mokgosi.
