Young Entrepreneur Making a Difference

Bataung Daniel Paka with player of the tournament Reabetswe Phama (Messi)

By: Staff Reporter 

A young entrepreneur hailing from the dusty streets of Zastron a small town situated in the Southern Eastern Free State region, Bataung Daniel Paka 27, has vowed to groom and nurture future stars from his hometown through sport. 

Paka made the remarks on Sunday 17, at Zama Sports Ground after hosting a successful soccer tournament that saw local team Izinja Ze Game claiming the bragging rights and a first price amount of R4 000. 

The tournament consisted of four teams deriving from different townships where the runner-ups Dihanyata walked away with R2 000 and France took R1 000. 

The highlight of the tournament was player of the tournament and Izinga Ze Game captain Reabetswe Phama (Messi) 17, after leaving football fanatics singing his praises for the skills he displayed throughout the tournament. 

Messi’s football skills evoked Paka’s emotions as he was able to realize that his efforts might pave the way for the young generation who are left without opportunities in a community bombarded by poverty. 

“I have extensive ties to the community due to my passion for community development and the work I have done. High levels of crime, poverty, and unemployment are more prevalent in townships with large proportions of people who are economically deprived and this is primarily the essence of my involvement in community development programs”, said Paka. 

He added, “Having to watch young Messi play evoked mixed emotions because I realized how important it is for us to create opportunities for young people to display their talents, especially in sports. I hope that one day this tournament will grow and grab the attention of scouting agents, there is talent in Zastron and the world needs to witness that”. 

Born and bred in Zastron Bataung Daniel Paka is the founder and owner of Bataung Daniel Paka (BDP) Construction, started his primary and secondary education at Zastron and later completed his Quantity Surveyor qualification at the Central University of Technology. 

This year Paka has been donating to various non-profit organizations particularly Matlakeng Non-Governmental Organization, an NGO that is aimed at eradicating poverty in the area. 

He reiterated that he loves being part of such programs as they serve as a platform for him to portray the love he has for his people and ensure that the programs are run with a sense of quality that will yield success.  

“True leadership is the capacity to translate people’s vision into reality and I will always strive to have the full potential to do exactly that. I aim to build stars, entrepreneurs, leaders, and many others with dreams”, noted enthusiastic Paka. 

Paka urges community leader and based organizations to come together and operate as a unit to combat poverty and create opportunities for the young so that they can change their lives for the better.