“Leadership in the Free State is united with the people” DESTEA MEC, Meeko

DESTEA MEC, Thabo Meeko

Picture: Sourced

By: Staff Reporter

Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environment Affairs (DESTEA) MEC Thabo Meeko reiterated that the Free State provincial government leadership stand united with the people as the province mourns the tragic loss of school learners that perished in a road accident.

These remarks were made by Meeko during the provincial youth business pitching competition held at Pacofs on Thursday, 15.

The MEC noted that he had extended an invitation to premier Mxolisi Dukwane’s office, our invitation was honored but he had committed to attending the memorial service of the six learners that had lost their lives last week Tuesday in a terrible bus accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the children that lost their lives in that terrible accident which occurred last week. We had extended an invitation to the office of the premier but he had to go and offer his support as the head of the province to the families that are still mourning the death of their children. In the Free State the leadership stands in unity with the people”.

The opening remarks of the programme were made by Director of Enterprise Development Mr Sehularo, who urged young people to use the platform as an opportunity to engage their business ideas with potential investors despite not winning the grand price.

Investors and stakeholders from both private and public sector were present at the event, Vodacom, University of the Free State, Allan Grey, Seda among major role players.

The competition started in Xhariep and concluded in Lejweleputswa district, with the winners and the runner-ups progressing to the finale.

Kgotso Maloi from the company called Tikwe 21, in Virginia, became the overall winner after his impressive pitch that saw him walking away with the ultimate price of R500 000, 00.

Maloi applauded the efforts from the department which offered him with such a significant opportunity.

“The car cover which we design provides impact resistance from hail and storms of which others don’t offer such a lucrative aspect. I’m grateful to be the provincial and the district winner, this shows that we have a unique product that can take our name and province on the map. I am thankful to Destea for coming up with such an initiatives and hope to see more young people being assisted through such platforms”, said Maloi.

MEC Meeko said that government needs a plan which will monitor the development of entrepreneurs after winning the funding they seek.

He reiterated that it becomes futile if SMME’s are getting funding but the socioeconomic state of townships still remains the same and the people remains jobless.

“SMME’s must work hand in hand with government so that their progress can be monitored. We want a different type of entrepreneurs, those that will show resilience and determination in business and willing to help government by creating jobs”.

He added, “Government has to be our immediate option when the economy of the province is deteriorating by making funds available to businesses for them to offer employment”.

The department of Destea will work hand in hand with the winner of the competition until they feel that the progress satisfies their standard.

Meeko deemed all contestant as winners and noted that their wish is to see all contestants prospering in their respective sectors and flying the Free State flag high.

All contestants received prizes from Vodacom to help steer their businesses in the right direction and opening doors for investments.