The Catalyst celebration event is called the ‘Catalyst Showcase’. During the celebration, the participants who have come up with amazing ideas and prototypes for their businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are able to showcase and present them to guests and fellow participants on the day. The event also incorporates advisory sessions where our Catalysts can directly interact with working professionals and entrepreneurs, seeking valuable advice, coaching, and guidance for their future endeavors.
The Catalyst Showcases garnered significant attendance across different provinces, with organisations, businesses and funder representatives present. Amongst many stakeholders in attendance, we had the founder of Skhanyiso Ubuntu Foundation, our enke Head of Programs, Skhumbuzo Moodaley-Mpisane, Asanda Sibeko who is the SMME Manager at Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality & Founder of Emagaleni Butchery, Ntombizanele April who is the Sibona Ilanga Trust Youth & Development Officer, Mbulelo Mkunzo, founder of Phuhlisa Mining Investment Group Pty (Ltd), Itumeleng Makgwane, and Kagiso Witkoei from the Department of Employment & Labour. In respective Northern Cape and Eastern Cape we had representatives of the Letsatsi Borutho Community Trust as well as those of Amanda Omoya Community Trust, respectively.
The participants engaged in a 90-minute one-on-one conversation where advisors shared their experience about getting into the world of work or building a business, as well as some tips, tools and advice on how to sustain it. This was a great opportunity for people who believe in developing and supporting youth to have a real impact on the young people we work with, while meeting and networking with like-minded people. Participants received their certificates and flaunted their hard work and dedication with their shashes.
In the exhibition sessions we had various young people showcase some of their work. One of the participants who showcased on the day is Anelisa Phamane, a young lady from Brits who has a beauty salon at home that focuses on braiding hair. She is currently in the process of applying for funding to expand her business. Anelisa established a Facebook page to promote and advertise her business and you can like and follow her page called Lisa’s Beauty Salon.
We take immense pride in the accomplishments of all the Catalysts who successfully completed the program. We extend our best wishes to them as they embark on their next chapters, whether it involves seeking employment, entrepreneurship, education, or training opportunities.
