Jobs aren't coming so they created their own
At a time when youth unemployment continues to erode economic confidence, more than 30 young entrepreneurs have chosen a different path, creating businesses instead of waiting for jobs. Their achievements were celebrated on June 4 at a graduation ceremony hosted by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), following the completion of two transformative, accredited qualifications in entrepreneurship and small business development.
As these young entrepreneurs return to their communities, they carry more than certificates. They carry the tools and vision to spark grassroots economic renewal.
The programmes, the Certificate in Entrepreneurial Development and the Certificate in Small Business Enrichment, are part of a strategic partnership between CHIETA and JBS at the University of Johannesburg, enabled by a R1 million discretionary grant from CHIETA. The funding supports sustainable entrepreneurship and leadership training aligned to national economic development goals. In her opening address, Professor Adri Drotskie, Acting Dean of JBS, emphasised the power of sector partnerships to create lasting impact:
'Our collaboration with CHIETA continues to build managerial capacity and entrepreneurial thinking. These graduates represent not only academic success but a growing movement of economic selfdetermination.'
Delivering the keynote, Princess Kgakane, CHIETA Executive Manager for Grants, Projects and Regions, acknowledged the deeper significance of the moment: 'You've chosen growth over defeat. At a time when our expanded unemployment rate has reached 43.1%, your journey shows that with the right support, people don't just survive. They thrive.'
CHIETA's investment forms part of a wider mission to drive inclusive skills development, particularly in the chemical sector and adjacent industries. The long-standing partnership with JBS has already yielded tangible results, empowering beneficiaries with practical business acumen, leadership confidence, and sector-relevant expertise.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Here is how to navigate tax as a sole proprietor
The tax season begins on 7 July and runs until 20 October. Here is how to navigate tax as a sole proprietor. Picture: iStock With tax season fast approaching, it is essential for taxpayers, especially sole proprietors, to navigate the season with ease. Running your own business as a sole proprietor in South Africa is one of the quickest and simplest ways to become your own boss. No complex registrations, no corporate red tape – just you, your business and full control over decision-making and profits. Unlike registered companies, sole proprietors are personally liable for all tax obligations. That means your business income is taxed as part of your personal income, and you will need to submit the right forms, keep clear financial records and fully understand which expenses you can, and cannot, deduct to reduce your tax burden. 'A well-managed financial system is critical for the growth and success of any small business,' said Wandile Mnguni, Head of Transactional Banking Products and Payments at FNB Commercial. ALSO READ: Almost time again for tax season: Here's when you will be auto-assessed Here are tips to navigate taxes with ease: 1. Register for tax and submit the right forms Mnguni said every sole proprietor must be registered with the South African Revenue Services (Sars) for income tax, and also needs to register as a provisional taxpayer. This means you must submit two IRP6 returns during the tax year (to estimate and pay tax in advance). At the end of the tax year, you will submit an ITR12 (your annual income tax return) to declare all earnings and expenses in your personal and business capacities. Where your business has made taxable (VATable) supplies exceeding R1 million in any consecutive 12-month period or where you reasonably expect to exceed this threshold in the next 12 months, VAT registration is mandatory. If your taxable (VATable) supplies are above R50,000, you can choose to voluntarily register for VAT. 'Being registered for VAT allows you to claim VAT on business expenses. Just remember this adds a significant administrative burden to your operations because you need to work out your VAT every month or two months, depending on the VAT category.' 2. Understand what you can and cannot deduct Mnguni advises that to minimise your tax liability, you should take advantage of allowable business deductions. While it is important to know the finer details of what can and cannot be deducted, generally, as a sole proprietor, you can deduct the following, provided you have adequate supporting documentation: Business-related rent, office supplies, advertising and salaries Travel and vehicle costs (but only for business-related travel, with a proper logbook) Home office expenses if you use a dedicated space for business Internet and phone bills, but only the portion used for business ALSO READ: Looming tax deadline and glitches cause frustration 3. If you have employees, you must deduct their tax 'As a sole proprietor registered with Sars, you can take on employees as your business grows. If you hire employees, your monthly tax obligations increase. 'You will need to register for Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and deduct tax from salaries every month to pay over to SARS via an EMP201 return. You will also have to contribute to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) on behalf of each employee and register for the Skills Development Levy (SDL) if your payroll exceeds R500 000 per year.' Failing to comply with these obligations can result in severe penalties from SARS; therefore, ensure you are compliant from the outset. 4. Be smart to reduce your tax bill legally He added that, in addition to the amounts you can deduct from your taxable income for ongoing operational expenses, there are also other allowable ways to reduce taxable income and pay less tax: Contribute to a retirement annuity. This allows you to deduct up to 27.5% of your total taxable income, reducing your annual liability. Donate to qualifying public benefit organisations. Sars allows deductions for donations to registered public benefit organisations (with a Section 18A certificate). 5. Keep good records 'Sars requires businesses to keep records of all income and expenses for at least five years. Store invoices, receipts and tax documents securely to ensure compliance and simplify audits. 'Proper record-keeping also helps when claiming deductions or defending yourself in the event of a SARS audit.' 6. Consult a professional He recommends seeking professional tax advice from a registered tax practitioner to optimise deductions and ensure full compliance with Sars regulations. 'Having an expert in your corner ensures your business remains tax-efficient while avoiding unnecessary penalties.' NOW READ: Here is how much Sars boss and others in the government earn
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Townlands Social Housing Project and the importance of community support
By offering subsidised rental fees, Tshwane'sTownlands provides a critical lifeline for individuals and families within the income band of between R1 850 and R22 000 per month, enabling them to access housing that is both affordable and conveniently located near the city centre. Image: Jacques Naude/Independent Newspapers The Townlands Social Housing Project is a significant milestone in our quest to provide affordable housing solutions within Tshwane. This initiative is not merely about constructing buildings, but it is a transformative effort aimed at creating healthier, sustainable and inclusive communities. By offering subsidised rental fees, Townlands provides a critical lifeline for individuals and families within the income band of between R1 850 and R22 000 per month, enabling them to access housing that is both affordable and conveniently located near the city centre. The importance of this project cannot be overstated. As urbanisation continues to rise, so does the demand for affordable housing in urban centres. The Townlands Social Housing Project responds directly to this need, granting residents the opportunity to live close to their places of work and economic activities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the housing backlog in our communities. Our partnership with the Social Housing Regulatory Agency (SHRA) and the Housing Company Tshwane (HCT) epitomises our commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Tshwane residents. However, while the Townlands project heralds a new beginning for many, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that private social housing projects are facing. The reports of rent boycotts and disruptive behaviour from individuals who evade their rental obligations are concerning. Such actions undermine the sustainability of social housing initiatives and place undue pressure on both the government and responsible tenants striving to fulfil their commitments. In light of these challenges, the Human Settlements Department advocates for a proactive approach. We urge residents who experience a change in their economic circumstances to communicate with our department. Our goal is to redirect assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that no family is left behind during these trying times. The complexity of housing affordability necessitates transparency and cooperation between tenants and housing authorities, as we work together to build a stronger, unified community. We also appeal to the public and stakeholders to support our endeavours in combating homelessness and addressing the long-standing housing challenges in Tshwane. The reduction in grant funding for human settlements in metropolitan municipalities diminishes our financial bandwidth, necessitating a sharper focus on essential trading services, including energy, water, sanitation and solid waste management. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to social housing initiatives and believe that community support is vital in this journey. In conclusion, we urge every individual, community leader and stakeholder to collaborate with us in fostering a culture of responsibility and mutual respect in the realm of social housing. As we navigate the complexities of affordable housing and aim to protect the integrity of our community projects, let us remember that the future of social housing in Tshwane is not solely the responsibility of government – it is a collective endeavour that requires the participation and commitment of all residents. Together, we can build a brighter and more equitable future for everyone. Ald Aaron Maluleka MMC for Housing and Human Settlements
TimesLIVE
11 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Tesla robotaxi rollout in Austin tests Musk's vision of self-driving future
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Tesla advertisements for 'teleoperation' positions say the company needs the ability to 'access and control' autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots remotely, adding that such employees can 'remotely perform complex and intricate tasks'. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration enquired last month about many of the unanswered questions surrounding the Austin rollout. The agency, which is investigating Tesla's FSD driver-assistance feature after a fatal crash in 2023, sent a detailed request seeking information about safety features, Tesla's timetable for expansion, where exactly it will be operating the vehicles and how it is preparing for accidents and emergency scenarios. The responses are due next week. A person familiar with NHTSA's operations said the agency sent the letter because it already has concerns about Tesla's FSD technology, which it sells to customers for $99 (R1,752) a month, and it fears Tesla's Austin rollout may not be safe. The Texas attorney-general is considering a Reuters request for communications between Tesla and city officials in Austin over the past two years, which Tesla has opposed over trade secrets concerns. Austin's department of transportation and public works declined to discuss Tesla's operations. A person familiar with Austin's autonomous-vehicle policies said the city has been meeting regularly with Tesla since December and that the company has shared some deployment plans with the city. Safety experts say there has been a dearth of information about Tesla's technology. Phil Koopman, a Carnegie Mellon University engineering professor and autonomous-vehicle safety expert, said Musk's statements 'leave room for ambiguity' about its plans in Austin and the sophistication of its robotaxi technology. 'When you start to pin it down, it's like jello,' he said. He questioned whether Tesla would be ready for a rapid nationwide rollout soon. 'Having 10 cars on the road and not having a crash,' Koopman said, 'is sort of table stakes for this game.'
