79 Unemployed Graduates Empowered

Graduates from the 2023 Business Advisory Candidacy Programme ready to provide value to businesses in North West and beyond

JOHANNESBURG, 15 June 2023 – The 2023 Business Advisory Candidacy Programme has ushered in a transformative opportunity for 79 youth graduates in the North West Province. By equipping them with the skills to professionalise their knowledge, this pioneering pilot programme has empowered its first cohort of graduates to transition from unemployed to becoming active and thriving contributors to the economy. The graduates from the programme will be awarded their certificates at a graduation event hosted by the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) on 24 June, in Mahikeng. The event will be graced by the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation Affairs Galebekwe Tlhapi, who will deliver the keynote address.

Launched in 2021, the programme is piloted and sponsored by DEDECT with a collaborative effort between professional bodies the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and The Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa (IBASA), alongside the Services SETA. Seventy nine(79) candidates completed the programme and  42 of these candidates  were with SAIPA , whilst  37 candidates were with IBASA.

“This programme is of immense value to the North West Province, which faces the challenge of high rates of unemployment, currently at 54%. This is especially prevalent among young people. Targeted interventions that improve employment prospects while strengthening entrepreneurship abilities, like the Business Advisory Candidacy Programme, are crucial in reversing this trend,” said Kakona Tlhomelang, Chief Director for Integrated Economic Development Services within DEDECT.

Tlhomeleng indicated that the province will continue to empower young people, with plans to recruit 100 promising professionals this financial year to address challenges faced by SMMEs and cooperatives in sustaining their businesses.

“This programme has added a useful resource into the North West economy – a cohort of young and dynamic business advisors ready to provide value to businesses. The Business Advisory Candidacy Programme will go a long way towards boosting entrepreneurship should these graduates choose to begin their own ventures. These newly qualified advisors can also assist existing businesses to deal with the twin problems of unemployment and the high mortality rate of SMMEs. We would like to express our appreciation to our partners Services Seta, IBASA, and SAIPA for the sterling job they have done in getting this programme off to a strong start,” adds Happy Mokone, Director of Enterprise Development in the North West Provincial Government.

Enabling the citizens of the North West to be skilled participants in a growing, enterprise-driven economy is a primary goal for DEDECT. Services SETA shares a similar objective on a national scale. The programme speaks to the heart of this. Business advisory is a rare yet indispensable skill. Advisors play a pivotal role in assisting businesses of all sizes to establish, grow, and sustain themselves while taking calculated risks and mitigating unnecessary ones. Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) comprise 98% of businesses in South Africa, and these graduates are now well-prepared to support their growth, as they are the driving force behind our economy.

The graduates, who were developed and trained by SAIPA and IBASA, are now qualified Business Advisors, accredited and certified by both organisations. This notable achievement not only grants them the legitimacy that comes with being associated with these respected organisations, but also connects them with a professional community that offers valuable networks and resources to support their career journeys. For businesses, this accreditation provides assurance of the extent and quality of skills these entry level Business Advisors hold, affirming the value they can bring to any organisation. In addition, this programme has enabled the graduates to be a part of the Business Advisory ecosystem and equipped them with the tools and confidence to potentially run their own advisory businesses.

“The Candidacy program has been an exciting journey for IBASA as we were able to offer graduates work experience through our partnership with employers who are IBASA members. These employers were able to share their Business Advisory experience which has equipped the graduates with the skills required to assist small businesses”, adds IBASA MD, Derrick Ndzavi Hlungwani.  “As IBASA would like to thank SSETA and DEDECT for granting graduates this opportunity, and we hope that other provinces will do the same. We also appreciate SAIPA for the great collaboration we had throughout the program, and congratulate the 79 graduates on their achievement of being part of the programme to the very end”.

“As a pioneer in the South African economy, SAIPA is committed to professionalising ambitious and competent young individuals who, with the right support, have the potential to drive our country forward,” affirms SAIPA’s Faith Ngwenya, Technical and Standards Executive. “Business advisory skills are scarce in the local labour market. Through this programme, SAIPA and our partners are providing the youth with tools that will give them a competitive edge in this tough job climate. We are proud of this year’s Business Advisory Candidacy Programme graduates and are eager to see what their futures hold.

The Services Seta remains a valuable role player in empowering all South Africans with relevant skills and training to transform our Economy, and, as such the Services SETA recognises Business Advisory as a scarce skill in our economy.  “Through the Business Advisory Candidacy Programme, Services SETA is proud to have played a significant role in equipping the North West’s youth with essential business advisory skills. These graduates are now prepared to contribute to the growth and success of our economy, particularly in supporting the development of small and medium enterprises. We are committed to fostering a skilled workforce and driving entrepreneurship, and this programme exemplifies our dedication to achieving those goals,” adds Mamabele Motla, Executive Manager: Strategy and Planning at the Services SETA.