Themba Mathe, Ithala Executive for HR, Communications and Marketing
We want people in KZN to know that we understand their plight and they do not have to fight the unemployment battle on their own. As a development finance institution, Ithala’s brand essence speaks to enabling dreams and the organisation is committed to providing financial and supportive services to communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
Ithala is well positioned to serve emerging markets in outlying areas — where a dire need for a better quality of life exists — with the introduction of three key empowerment programmes.
The Siyasebenza initiative, which means “we are working”, is a series of development-based outreach programmes by Ithala created to uplift, empower and guide aspiring youth, women and SMMEs in townships and rural areas, on their journey to becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Imbokodo Iyazenzela or “women doing it for themselves” is a unique enterprise development journey that seeks to acknowledge dynamic women making a positive impact in their communities on a public platform, and provides a pillar of support to female entrepreneurs who require access to finance and the resources to grow.
The Inkunz’isematholeni “Youth in Business” programme was launched in 2014 in an effort to tackle unemployment.
The programme attracts youth with innovative and sustainable business concepts and provides incubation and start-up to help them launch, manage and run their businesses successfully.
With this in mind, South Africa’s youth can rest assured that help is at bay for the many aspiring entrepreneurs out there whose primary stumbling block to success is access to capital. Ithala is willing to take a chance on people with bold ambitions and those who dare to dream.