In my last visits to South Africa I was again reminded of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that exists amid the tough economic conditions. South Africa has not escaped the global recession and unemployment is a whopping 24.5%. It's of course no better in neighbouring African states. Everyone is trying to find a way to sell their services and products. For many, starting and running a business is not a choice but a necessity to put food on the table.
So when I met our latest Afripreneurs during our small business development courses, I was so impressed by their resilience, determination and energy to want to learn how to better manage their businesses. They all want to go from survival mode to growing their business into sustainable ventures. They want to understand which tools are available to help them spring board their business. There is no lack of positive attitude towards learning. They are hungry! They just need more knowledge and skills, and mentors that believe in them as successful business people. They need the networks of contacts to expand sales and partnerships. They need access to loans and investment to realize their dreams.
We are also so excited to see the power of diversity in the South African entrepreneurship community. Although we believe in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment programme (BBBEE), we believe even more in the potential of multi-cultural, multi-racial entrepreneurship networks that can draw on experiences from all cultures. I have personally witnessed first-hand the successes of multi-diversity management teams and I have always found it to be far superior to anything else. At Afriversity we are seeing the power of networking and we have set up an Afriversity social networking site for all our Afripreneurs and anyone else who wants to join the party! Please go to www.afriversityct.ning.com and enjoy the team spirit and contribute your blogs, ideas, inspirations, and share with other fellow entrepreneurs' experiences and resources.
Lastly, I want to thank our corporate and private sponsors as well as partners. Your donations are making a real difference. A difference to create new sustainable jobs and helping to make dreams happen.
It's coming up to the Festive Season so let that generous spirit flow into Afriversity!
With Seasonal Greetings and Wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone!
Love,
Thorgeir
Founder of Afriversity
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