Two young Weltevreden Valley residents were placed third out of 100 applications in the City of Cape Town’s #YouthStartCt2019 competition.
At the award ceremony held on Tuesday June 25, siblings Monique, 22, and Caleb Herold, 23, won a cash prize of R15 000, in addition to customised business support, mentoring and development to kickstart or grow their business.
The competition they entered is an accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, with the main aim being to encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to skills development and innovation in Cape Town.
The programme supports entrepreneurs to commercialise, expand and monetise their businesses through their practical training and mentorship programme.
Last year Monique and Caleb started a Youtube show called The Herolds which puts the spotlight on successful artists who come from disadvantaged communities.
“We entered the competition because both of us are affected by youth unemployment.
“The Herolds is here to provide hope and spread love and positivity in our communities,” said Caleb.
Some of the people they have hosted on the show include Idols SA 2017 winner Paxton Fielies; actor Dean Smith, who plays Wade in Suidooster; The Voice SA contestant Robin Pieters; IdolsSA contestant Elwira Standilie; Maak My Famous winner Cheswyn Ruiters; and The Voice SA contestants, Keanu Harker and Anslin Gysman.
Caleb has a degree in BCom Information Management and has graduated in SAP ERP. This is his third year after graduation and he is still struggling to find a job.
But, he remains positive. “Go out there and work hard on whatever it is you want to achieve,” he said. “Use what you have and make something out of it. Stop making excuses. We started with a cellphone and a cheap lamp which was on sale at the time. Go out there and find some form of content to produce. Work hard and acknowledge God.
“Find other people who are doing similar work and learn from them. Do your research and be consistent. You never know who may see you and be interested in funding your idea.”
