Pictured above from left to right: Savvy Naidoo, Sandra Jones and Mary Meville at the launch of the pilot programme.

Elders encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship

In collaboration with the Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship (GIEE), Tafta recently launched a pilot programme, aimed at promoting economic empowerment among older people, by encouraging them to set up their own businesses.

Founder and CEO of GIEE, Elizabeth Isele, together with Tafta representatives, presented the programme to elders at Langeler Towers. They were encouraged to imagine the possibilities of using their life experiences as a foundation for entrepreneurship. Those who are interested will attend 12 workshops, where they will be introduced to entrepreneurial culture, and coached on successful pitching and turning failures into lessons.

Financial needs

“The promotion of business skills in our elder generation is a proactive approach to meeting their financial needs,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

“Many older people have limited income. In most cases, only a state old age grant, which is insufficient to meet their daily living expenses. We hope that participating in the programme will not only help older people earn extra income, but will also promote wellbeing by alleviating feelings of loneliness, exclusion and distress.

“The programme also has the potential to contribute towards job creation impacting on the wider community,” she added.

Week of Older Persons

The launch of the programme coincided with the build-up to South Africa’s Week Of Older Persons, which takes place from 3-9 October 2022. During this week, adults over the age of 60 are encouraged to take advantage of all life has to offer and to embrace the positive aspects of getting older.

Following the pilot at Tafta, this programme will be rolled out to communities, with the possibility of a sponsored start up. If you are over the age of 60 and are interested in participating in this entrepreneurial programme, contact Yougendri Moodley on 031 332 3721 or email info@tafta.org.za