ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETERGENT TRAINING EMPOWERS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES
Thirty young emerging entrepreneurs and cooperative members from Durban are gaining the skills and confidence needed to transform detergent manufacturing into sustainable business opportunities through a two-week Detergent Manufacturing Training Programme.
The programme, facilitated by eThekwini Municipality’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Division in partnership with Networx for Career Development, has proven highly successful in equipping participants with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Currently underway in New Germany, the programme commenced on 1 June and concludes tomorrow, 12 June.
It combines accredited New Venture Creation training with practical detergent manufacturing skills.
During the first week, participants receive training in financial management, cash flow, budgeting, marketing, pricing, and sales.
The second week is currently focusing on the hands-on production of cleaning products such as bleach, pine gel, and dishwashing liquid.
Facilitator Nozipho Mkhwanazi said the programme equips participants with both the technical and entrepreneurial skills required to establish and grow successful businesses. “Participants are highly engaged and are gaining practical knowledge that will enable them to build and sustain viable enterprises,” she said.
To support their start-up efforts, participants received the products manufactured during training, equipment such as weighing scales and mixers, and a stipend for three months.
For Muzi Makhaye, founder of Skumulweni Trading in eShongweni, the training presents an opportunity to expand his existing tuckshop business.
“I want to manufacture detergents to supply my tuckshop and other stores in my area. This training is providing me with valuable skills that will help me grow my business,” he said.
Philani Duma of Apex Events in Nazareth, Pinetown, said the programme is helping him diversify his income streams.
“Learning how to manufacture cleaning products is a valuable new skill that opens up additional business opportunities for me,” he said.
Anele Dlamini of Sfundosesabelo Trading said the training is helping her realise her business ambition.
“It has always been my dream to supply cleaning products. I recently secured a trading space from eThekwini Municipality at the KwaSanti Informal Trading Market and will use my stipend to purchase chemicals so that I can begin producing and selling detergents,” she said.
Chairperson of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the initiative forms part of the Municipality’s efforts to tackle unemployment by promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship.
“This programme is part of our ongoing commitment to empower MSMEs and cooperatives through practical skills development and income-generating opportunities. We also value our strategic partnership with Networx for Career Development, as collaboration between the public and private sectors enables us to support and empower more businesses,” he said.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
