We are inspired by our partnership with VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy in Langa.
Capitec's Volunteer Programme facilitates collaboration between divisional teams and organisations that are driving positive change. These partnerships empower Capitec Uplifters to take an active role in social investment initiatives. The Marketing and Communications division demonstrated this commitment by partnering with VUSA, a non-profit organisation making a significant impact in the Langa community through education and sports.
The annual VUSA Market Day at the Langa Sports Ground is an inspiring event that gives young entrepreneurs the platform to develop and sell their products. Capitec Uplifters prepared learners for the Market Day through practical, hands-on sessions. The sessions included activities such as "Shark Tank" pitches and applying real-world entrepreneurship principles. The learners participated in these activities with resilience and enthusiasm.
The 2024 VUSA Market Day was a resounding success, with young entrepreneurs confidently selling their products, from delicious boerewors rolls to plants, and learning the ropes of marketing, customer service, and product management. The Uplift team was on hand to support the learners, helping them refine their business plans, develop pricing strategies, and prepare for the big day.
As Uplifter and content writer at Capitec, Lucie Osman, shared, “As a marketing team we created lesson plans on how to market and price products, helping learners to prepare their small businesses for Market Day. It’s been wonderful to see the light bulb moments as children listen to concepts, hear and understand and get excited about what they’re doing. And it’s very cool to see the posters and products in their final stages.”
VUSA’s entrepreneurial programme has been a game-changer for many of the learners. As the VUSA Academy Programme Manager, Lebo Mokoena, explained, “This Market Day is not about today but it’s about inspiring the children long term, and we can see that from the participants from the last two years. Some of them now sell bracelets and doughnuts at their school and they make their own money and can support themselves in this way. So, this Market Day has really inspired a lot of young children to be forward-thinking and independent.”
The VUSA Market Day perfectly aligns with Capitec's Volunteer Programme, which has a major focus in education and encourages our Uplifters (Capitec volunteers) to share their knowledge and skills. As our CSI Manager, Craig Williams, shared, “It's been a journey of lesson plans with the learners for a period of time making sure they are prepared for this day, and it links so nicely to the Economic and Management Sciences curriculum.”
VUSA Academy COO, Nikki Matthews, adds: “The young entrepreneurial programme began around a boardroom table at Capitec. We developed a programme which we’ve built on over the years, and it’s turned into this beautiful event. The kids have learned so much from the staff.”
Watch the Market Day event here and see how our volunteer contributions can make a lasting impact on young people.
