Young entrepreneurs in South Africa will be able to receive business mentorship for free online after government launches a new programme later this month.

The Mara Foundation, an African non-profit organisation has partnered with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to bring the Mara Mentor online programme, which already has a presence in 30 African countries, to our shores on June 16th.

President Jacob Zuma announced the programme yesterday during day one of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town.

The project is being spearheaded by Brand South Africa and the launch coincides with this year’s Youth Month celebrations, which focuses on the development of our country’s young citizens under the age of 35.

Users will be able to log onto Mara Mentor via its web and mobile app versions and from there on engage with leading business leaders on any topics and questions they may have.

“Top business leaders in South Africa including Chairpersons and CEOs of companies are already being asked to sign up as mentors for the South African youth to be able to provide them with support. The youth will be able to register as mentees at one of NYDA’s 14 offices countrywide,” the NYDA said.

To get youths started on Mara Mentor, a demo will be set up at an expo during the Youth Day celebrations at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria.

The NYDA said it hopes it will be able to reach a large number of users across the country who have a cellphone.

“We believe that it has the potential to empower thousands of young people who want to start up businesses or who are already in business. It also provides an opportunity for business leaders in the country to plough back by supporting youth development and empowerment,” said Brand SA chairperson Chichi Maponya.

[Source – South African Government News Agency, image – Mara Mentor]