YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FROM ZASTRON SERVING AS AN INSPIRATION

Photo: Bataung Masike

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

A young entrepreneur from the dusty streets of Zastron, Bataung Masike 30, has scoops a mentee of the month award from the Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme in the Free State.

The programme is aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with skills that will develop and grow their businesses.

Masike topped his fellow colleagues for his astonishing dedication to the Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme, and for his efforts he was acknowledged with a mentee of the month award.

He reiterated the passion for business and entrepreneurship is inherited from his family, whom have been in business for years owning a spaza shop.

"My passion for business came from my family, they owned a spaza shop which was our means of survival. My father was also a truck driver but the shop remained our capital injection for years, until to date", said ecstatic Masike.

Bataung Masike after completing his matrix in 2014, he was intrigued to seek for employment rather than opting to persuade his studies.

He worked for several food outlets in Bloemfontein where he obtained comprehensive business skills and ended up being appointed as manager during his tenure.

In 2018 he registered his own company Uncle & Nephew Projects (Pty) Ltd, after a year he had accumulated about R300 000,00.

From thereafter, Masike has been fortunate enough to receive jobs from the local residents and various departments which developed his business.

In 2021 Masike persuaded his studies and enrolled for General Building Interior and Exterior followed by Fleet Management.

Recently he was awarded a portion of land in Zastron, he hope to bring about employment after developing the area.

He noted that since joining the Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme this year he has seen tremendous changes in his entrepreneurship journey.

"Joining the Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme was a turning point for me. It pushed me into international markets and instilled the discipline that was lacking", said Masike.

Masike is urging the youth of Zastron who aspire to venture into entrepreneurship to follow their dreams and believe in them.

He added, "To the young people residing in Zastron and aspires to venture into entrepreneurship, whatever your plan is, believe in it and have the right people around you. Make sure you never give up, no matter what business requires persistence and determination. Nothing comes easy, the amount of work you put in will determine the results".

The Sandiso family applauded Bataung Masike for his commitment, dedication and determination in the programme and deemed him an inspiration to those around him.