Vusa Grade 7 Pupils Turn Ideas into Businesses at Market Day

Langa Sports Field came alive on Saturday, as Grade 7 pupils from the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy put their business skills to the test at the academy’s annual Market Day.

 Courtesy: Pixabay

After months of learning about entrepreneurship, the pupils had the chance to turn their ideas into real businesses. They sold products including all-day breakfasts, boerewors rolls, homemade jams, plants and artwork, while learning how to price products, manage stock, market their businesses and work as a team.

For many of the pupils, it was their first experience of running a business and interacting with real customers.

Nikki Matthews, chief operating officer of VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy, said the programme is about helping children understand that they can create opportunities for themselves.

The programme is run in partnership with Capitec, whose marketing and finance teams helped the pupils learn about budgeting, pricing and identifying customers. Shoprite also supported the initiative by providing the start-up products for the stalls, with teams able to earn profits in Shoprite vouchers.

As customers moved between the stalls, the pupils confidently promoted their products, handled money and solved problems along the way. Local rugby teams also provided entertainment, adding to the community atmosphere.

While making sales was part of the challenge, the Market Day was ultimately about much more than profit. It gave the young entrepreneurs confidence, practical skills and the opportunity to discover that they do not always have to wait for opportunities they can create them.

By Sikhanyisele Cishe