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Engen’s New Venture Creation Learnership is empowering 15 young entrepreneurs with disabilities in Soweto, equipping them with business skills, laptops, and mentorship to build sustainable ventures.
Engen Empowers Soweto Entrepreneurs with Disabilities to Build Businesses
Fifteen young people living with disabilities from Soweto have taken their first steps towards entrepreneurship thanks to Engen’s New Venture Creation Learnership, a transformative programme launched in September 2023.
The initiative equips participants with practical skills in business planning, finance, marketing, and customer service. Over the past 18 months, learners completed their NQF Level 2 training and celebrated this milestone by receiving brand-new laptops along with computer skills training. These tools will help them turn their business ideas into reality as they prepare to progress to NQF Level 4.
Success Stories from Soweto
One of the standout ventures to emerge is Masakhane Casting Agency, founded by Zinhle Mzizi. Today, the agency represents over 300 artists of diverse ages and backgrounds. Masakhane’s talent has already featured in leading productions such as Shaka Ilembe (Bomb Productions), Queen Modjadji (Rhythm World), and Red Ink (Showmax).
Through the learnership, Zinhle has been able to strengthen the agency’s foundations, focusing on artist training, branding, and wellness support. This positions Masakhane not only as a casting agency but also as a platform for sustainable careers in entertainment.
Structured Growth Ahead
“This learnership empowers young people with disabilities to become active participants in the economy, breaking down barriers and building sustainable futures for themselves and their communities,” .
says Dee Mdeka, Engen’s Skills Development Facilitator
Mdeka highlights the structured approach:
“Progression is at the heart of this programme. We don’t just stop at one qualification. We support learners step by step — from learning the basics of running a business, to actually launching ventures, to scaling them sustainably.”
With further training at NQF Levels 4 and 5 ahead, Engen remains committed to equipping Soweto’s learners with the mentorship, skills, and resources they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.
#Engencares #YouthEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #Inclusion
