During the first quarter of 2017 Stats SA revealed that South Africa’s unemployment rate is currently 27,7%.

The North-West University (NWU), together with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Resource Centre and Enactus NWU - an international non-profit organisation that brings together students, academics and business leaders - are doing their part in trying to alleviate unemployment. 

They recently hosted a two-day workshop to inspire social entrepreneurship among the youth.

“A social entrepreneur is someone who identifies a challenge or shortage within their community and uses the resources around them to find a sustainable solution,” says Beatrix Bouwman, director for sustainability and community impact at the NWU.

A total of 30 NWU students and Ikageng residents attended the workshop that was titled “Living a Life of Purpose” on the Potchefstroom Campus. They received training and information about the changing world of the workplace, their personality types, how to identify their talents and how to create employment opportunities using the resources around them.

“I am extremely happy with the outcome of the workshop; it just shows that all one really needs is some guidance in the right direction,” said Tshegofatso Lekabye, chairperson of Enactus NWU.

The program was facilitated by Peter Morris from HR Consulting and Penny Penniken was one of the volunteers.

 Some of the NWU students and Ikageng residents who attended the “Living a Life of Purpose” workshop aimed at inspiring social entrepreneurship.