A young entrepreneur from KwaNdengezi, South Africa, Letoya Madlala, recently hosted a workshop called Girl Child Empowerment and Skills Workshop. The event aimed to equip young girls with business skills and encourage them to start their own businesses. Madlala, who is 18 years old, believes that it is essential to teach children the importance of entrepreneurship from a young age.
The workshop, which was attended by girls aged between 5 and 35, focused on teaching simple and affordable business skills such as making jewelry, hair accessories, and decorations. Madlala emphasized that one does not need a lot of money to start a business, but rather hands and a willing mind. She also highlighted the importance of recycling and reusing materials to create new products.
Madlala's passion for empowering young girls through entrepreneurship stems from her own experiences. She began modeling at a young age and later started her own academy, Dream Chasers Academy, to teach children modeling skills. With the help of her mother, she also founded La-Tee Global, a company that she had wanted to register for some time but was unable to due to her age.
The workshop featured guest speakers, including young entrepreneurs Nonjabulo Zakwe, 11, who sells towels, and Sbongakonke Hlongwane, 14, who makes and sells beaded bags. Madlala invited them to share their experiences and inspire the other girls to start their own businesses. She believes that age should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship and wants to encourage young girls to take the leap.
Madlala's long-term goal is to see the education system in South Africa incorporate business skills into the curriculum, particularly at primary school level. She believes that this will help to combat poverty and build confidence in young children to become entrepreneurs. She also encourages parents to support their children's business ventures and talents.
As Madlala prepares to compete in the Miss Royal Regents South Africa 2026/27 pageant, she is using the platform to raise awareness about the importance of empowering young girls through entrepreneurship. She hopes to inspire more girls to take control of their lives and start their own businesses.
Madlala's initiative has made a positive impact on the community, and she plans to continue empowering young girls through her workshops and business ventures. Her determination and passion for entrepreneurship are an inspiration to many, and her message is clear: age is not a barrier to success, and with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Key points
- Letoya Madlala empowers young girls with business skills through her workshop.
- The workshop aimed to teach simple and affordable business skills.
- Madlala believes that age should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship.
