Petition for National Entrepreneurs Day in SA

Youth unemployment levels in South Africa are at an all-time high with over 70% of the number of unemployed persons comprising of youth between the ages of 15 – 35. Low levels of entrepreneurial activity leads to the sluggish rate of job creation, as 60% - 80% of jobs are created by small businesses. South Africa is the most economically active country in the Sub Saharan region of Africa, but continually registers amongst the lowest levels of new venture creation among African countries. It is widely understood from an economic perspective that the high levels of unemployment is creating unrest which leads to increased protests, higher levels of crime and overall dissatisfaction among the youth. The current level of youth unemployment poses a very real risk to both the economic stability and future of South Africa and it’s generations to follow. The DTI has stated in their latest Youth Enterprise Development Startegy for 2013 – 2050: “it necessary for more youth to participate actively in the economy in the form of enterprise creation. This is the only way we can increase the rate at which new businesses are established and subsequently decrease the level of youth unemployment in South Africa.” Several organisations including public sector agencies such as SEDA, NYDA, Black Empowerment Forums and many others are doing their share to address the crises. From the private sector, corporates have and do continually align their CSI initiatives with organisations in the entrepreneurship education and enterprise development space. The challenge faced by many organisations both in the public and private sector, is the lack of awareness about entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial activities and opportunities available to entrepreneurs by the majority of youth. This results in low levels of interest in and misinformation about entrepreneurship. We at SA Startup Academy feel that a National Entrepreneurs Day will generate the necessary interest in and awareness of entrepreneurship at a national level, which will encourage youth to consider entrepreneurship as a feasible way of engaging in economic activity. What we propose is a day where organisations at all levels from grassroots foundations, to senior support organisations engage in entrepreneurial activities for that day. Activities could range from:

• Open markets in schools, universities, corporate and government offices
• Information sessions to create awareness
• Media interviews with successful entrepreneurs in SA
• Media broadcasting of entrepreneurship as a career
• And more

If we are to change to state of our economic future, it is imperative that we begin with the current mind set of our youth. Entrepreneurship is more than another career option; it is a way of life, one that requires personal growth and development. It encourages collaboration amongst all races, genders and religions. It is a means to attain self-actualisation as youth become increasingly aware of their abilities, grow in confidence and attain success. SA Startup Academy believes that Entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking our desired future in South Africa. We beseech the Honourable Parliament of the Republic of South Africa to consider this petition as one of the most critical that may ever come across your desk, our future literally depends on what you decide to do with it. We propose the first day of November as the designated date for National Entrepreneurs Day. November is also the month when the Global Entrepreneurship week takes place, therefore November was thought to be the suitable time for this day.

SA Startup Academy    Contact the author of the petition