Forget the negative comments about Gen Z, Ayabulela Silwayi (23) is one of the Grootbos Foundation success stories and an example for many.
As young as he is he does not let circumstances get him down. He started his own business in 2017, Vukuzenzele Antiseptics, a business that cleans bins in Hermanus.
“I use a high-pressure cleaner, which not only leaves the bins spotless, but also saves water.”
Silwayi recalled the humble beginnings of his business. “When I started Vukuzenzele I found it really hard and I went through a lot in the beginning. I learnt a lot, and today I am thankful I never gave up on my dreams.”
Today he proudly reports he uses every opportunity to go from strength to strength and believes one must know how to sell one’s business and work with customers. “One of the characteristics of a successful young entrepreneur is to stay humble and be reliable. Other characteristics include perseverance, adaptability, adventurousness, and the ability to think out of the box.”
Even though he started his business before Covid, the lockdown did not have an influence on his business. “I got special permission from the municipality to continue with my business during lockdown. I followed all protocols and still provided my service to the community.”
With today’s challenging economic conditions he encourages young entrepreneurs not to give up, to provide the best service they can and to take pride in their work.
“It’s very tough out there and we as business owners need to support each other rather than oppose each other,” Silwayi said.
One of his biggest challenges is transport, but he believes that with a positive attitude he will overcome this hurdle as well.
For more information on Vukuzenzele Antiseptics contact 069 299 5918.. The Grootbos Employment and Enterprise Development Programme includes career guidance for youth, workplace experience and mentorship for small business owners.
This project provides skills training workshops to empower young people to become more employable, self-confident and positive about life. Through career workshops, school students learn more about their individual aptitudes and strengths as well as about different study fields and career options.
The Employability Programme offers People, Work, Money and Entrepreneurship workshops to unemployed youth. After interviews a select group of youth are provided with workplace experience.
The budding entrepreneurs complete a business development programme focused on small enterprises and entrepreneurship. Successful small business presentations receive seed funding and mentorship to help start or expand their small businesses.
