LUNGILE Jafri could not sit back and watch the youth, especially those living with disabilities, struggle to get jobs.
So in 2019, the 39-year-old started a company called Initium Venture Solutions with the aim to upskill unemployed youth and eradicate unemployment. She offers different programmes and trains up-and-coming entrepreneurs with practical skills for business including finance, regulatory requirements, going to market and also helps them with company registrations and business plans.
She said she also offers programmes such as technical support, marketing, generic management, business analysis, system development and end-user computing.
“We then place them in our programmes with potential employers. We also prepare them for the workplace by training them in soft skills such as work etiquette, communication and time management.”
Lungile told Daily Sun she just wants to make a positive difference and provide solutions and opportunities.
She said the youth is her inspiration. Her company has helped more than 100 youth so far. She has employed over 10 employees and 80% of them are youth.
Her goal is to grow her business and offer her services to all nine provinces.
Thandeka Ndlovu (20) said she never thought she’d be an intern at Lungile’s company.
“They motivate us to do our best and help prepare our future. I’m happy to work for the company.”
