The South African Business Resources Institute (SABRI) officially opened its doors in Mitchell’s Plain on Monday November 14, in a bid to create more employment and business opportunities.
The organisation, based in the Alliance Francaise Building in Portland, will be providing a range of services aimed at changing the situation of unemployment in Mitchell’s Plain. It was first established in 2011 and works in Hanover Park and Manenberg.
They are working in partnership with Le Comptoir De L’Innovation (CDI), a French organisation that operates across the globe, with the aim of fighting poverty and building economic opportunities. CDI partnered with SABRI to implement the Eco-Connect project, that seeks to develop entrepreneurs from grassroots communities to set up, operationalise and grow sustainable businesses.
Chief Empowerment Officer Lynn Maggott said the organisation had had a significant socio-economic impact on the Cape Flats, through a hands-on approach to entrepreneurial development, foc-using on women and the youth.
Ms Maggott said the programmes aim to enable beneficiaries to either set up and grow their own businesses, or provide skills training programmes which enhance their chances of employability.
Their community intervention projects include hairdressing, bakeries, leather works, community gardens and eco barber-kits, while the business development support programmes focus on marketing and sales, operational system support, mentorship and coaching, and networking and events.
“There will be a hive of activity where young people, women and disabled people will be able to access information that empowers them to either start a business, teach them how to operate their businesses or provide selected skills training programmes.
“It provides a shared space where skills capacity building and mentorship contribute towards sustainable job creation in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha where the unemployment rate is high,” she said.
Ms Maggott said they will soon kick off their Work Readiness Course and will focus on the tourism sector at the Mitchell’s Plain branch.
“This course will include languages and computer skills. It would be for matriculants to prepare them for tertiary education and for the work environment. We will also be zooming into the tourism sector, and train people as tour guides and sommeliers. We are excited to be in Mitchell’s Plain and we hope that people make use of the services,” she said.
To keep the programmes running effectively, said Ms Maggott, they need to raise funds for equipment. “We have the space, but are in need of new, updated computers. Any donations are welcome. We also offer venue hire. Residents can contact us,” she said.
Contact SABRI on 021 674 1134 for more information.
