BLACKS ARE NO FOOLS

As a young person I’m so fascinated by music and admire artists who have grown and taken this craft as a platform to voice their opinions so as to educate and entertain people. But I grew very concerned and somewhat disappointed with Slikour’s music video and the lyrics in his song entitled “Blacks are Fools.” Although there is a powerful message in the song, the title made me upset and angry. I think artists are creative and will do anything to draw media attention - that’s what I think lead this youngster to choose such a title. In his TV interviews he refused to apologise for suggesting that blacks are fools, and claimed that he is misinterpreted and misunderstood.


To even suggest that blacks are fools is foolish looking at the political and social histories of the African people. We have come a long way. Firstly from being enslaved for 400 years by the British and American powers, being colonized in our own countries by Europeans, being deprived of rights, abused and discriminated and underestimated by the apartheid government, and he has the audacity to say we are nothing , liabilities and stupid?! .

It is profound and derogatory to take such a controversial stance, considering the recent election of the first ever black president in the USA. The legacies of stalwarts - such as Steve Biko, Solomon Mahlangu, Chris Hani, Albert Luthuli, and Winnie Mandela who fought so hard for social justice, fundamental human rights and democratic value in South Africa – are put to shame by such irresponsible comments.

He (Slikour) is where he is today because of Black people who died in the Sharpeville Massacre, as well as those who were exiled in the north , east, and west Africa during the apartheid years. Women who marched in 1956, the youth who died in 1976, and some of his fans’ extended families will benefit from the death of individuals such as Andries Tatane. Due to the death of Andries Tatane, shockwaves spread throughout the nation, and as such a lot is being changed in his area (Ficksburg) to deliver service. We have well-respected and well- educated Black people such as Eskia Mphahle for example; individuals who we can be proud of. In conclusion: Blacks are not fools.


Written By: Tshegofatso Mosala

Please note that all opinions expressed by the author of this article are her own.

SHOWCASING YOUTH TALENT

One of the goals of Makoya Entrepreneurs is to provide a platform for the youth to expose their talents, be it through artistic expression, writing or insight on current affairs or entrepreneurship etc. In this way we are able to create an advertising platform for these individuals to not only showcase their talent, but also to ensure that they are empowered by connecting with the right people in whichever industry.


We recently came across Tshegofatso Mosala (22) - a BA (African and International Politics) Graduate from UNISA whose passion lies in politics and writing. Having founded the “Youth Consciousness Movement” in Soshanguve Pretoria, which is an NGO that aims to empower young people who are unemployed, disadvantaged, unskilled or in trouble with the law – we decided to showcase some of her work.

Some of Mosala’s achievements include winning an essay competition run by Metro FM as well as a writing challenge run by Radio 2000. We are pleased to have her contribute to the Makoya Entrepreneurs Blog.

A WELCOME SHIFT IN BEE LAWS

“The amendments would seek to address criticism that BEE was only creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity.” (Business Report)

This is positive news for the so-called Makoya Entrepreneurs who will now be afforded the opportunity to take ownership of the South African economy through BEE transactions. In this context Makoya Entrepreneurs refers to those businesses that enhance production and bolster growth in the economy.

The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that the shift is from equity deals to enterprise development. This will allay criticism that BEE is creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity. The growing culture of entitlement and BEE-fronting needs to be addressed; a small group of politically connected black businessmen should not be the only beneficiaries of lucrative BEE deals.

BEE deals centred on enterprise development will ensure sustainable economic growth because small businesses will be supported by the big corporates. In this way, small businesses will thrive, and more jobs created. It is refreshing to have companies such as Microsoft South Africa invest funds to the tune of 475 million ($69 million) in black-owned software firms to meet BEE rules, rather than selling an equity stake to black investors.

Foreign and local firms will now be encouraged to follow suit. The amendments to BEE laws to accommodate enterprise development –if well executed- will go a long way towards sustainable economic development in the country.

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/sa-signals-shift-in-bee-laws-1.1059231

YOUNG VERSATILE ENTREPRENEURS

We recently came across an interesting magazine entitled "Wealthwise Magazine" (www.wealthwisemag.com) which provides an insightful look at business in a South African context.

Turn to page 32 and read an article on "Young Entrepreneurs" - the profiled entrepreneur being KK Diaz, Managing Member at Rekopane Dot Biz.

KK epitomises the essence of what we call a Makoya Entrepreneur - a highly versatile entrepreneur having run a record label (music) business in the past, to becoming the Managing Member of a Johannesburg-based payroll and accounting solutions company.

Furthermore, KK has the social motivation to address the high rate of failure in business through the provision of payroll and accounting systems to boost a firm's bottom line (profit). Read more on page 32-34 of the Wealthwise Magazine by following the link below:


http://issuu.com/wealthwise/docs/wealthwise_march_2011,


So for your payroll and accounting systems solutions contact Rekopane Dot Biz at :

Tel: +2711 838 8267
Cell: 2782 866 1187
http://www.rekopanepayroll.co.za/

YOUTHFUL BRANDS MAKE THEIR MARK

As MAKOYA ENTREPRENEURS one of our goals is to promote young, upcoming influential entrepreneurs in the industry. The first business we identified was the BIZKID CORPORATION run by 18 year old Tshepang Motshwadiba. This digital solutions and on-line media business has since grown from strength to strength. Take a look at their latest ...work for the AMAKIPKIP brand at:

http://amakipkip.wordpress.com/

PREVIEW OF JHB FASHION WEEK AT FASHION KAPITOL

Given our passion for identifying and promoting upcoming brands as well as viewing artistic expression, we attended this year’s JHB Fashion week at Fashion Kapitol in JHB Central.

 The event was a success and was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended. The only concern I had – which is something to improve on next year- is to ensure that there is more exposure for the designers exhibiting their clothing.

Having a lively music festival on one hand and promoting upcoming fashion designers on the other, does conflict with increasing the awareness of the brands on display. There were some exceptions, however, for e.g. the Amakipkip and Vandal brands which effectively used models and music artists to promote their brands.

With regard to the choice of music, I propose that lounge music be played during intervals to allow guests to browse around, do some shopping and thereafter view the fashion show.

Special thanks must go to Nomi and the other event organisers for a great show.

WE WELCOME ON BOARD OUR FIRST AFFILIATE PARTNER: THE BUSINESS PLACE