Twenty-one early-stage-growth entrepreneurs graduated from the second phase of global mining company Anglo American’s Entrepreneur Internship Programme (EIP) last week in Johannesburg.

The programme was hosted in partnership with privately owned entrepreneur development company Aurik Enterprise Development, which provides support and skills for entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses.

The EIP makes available business development support, training and mentorship for entrepreneurs, providing them with a launch pad for growth and, subsequently, enabling them to create employment.

Addressing the graduates at the ceremony, Anglo American executive director Andile Sangqu said more could be achieved when partnerships, such as the one between Anglo American and Aurik, were formed to assist in triggering small business development.

“Small businesses are essential contributors to a healthy economy. Therefore, the EIP was developed to meet the exact needs of entrepreneurs in terms of training, mentorship and support – an approach that creates firm foundations for sustainable business success and growth.”

Emphasising the importance of government partnering with the private sector to support small businesses in driving a stronger national economy, Sangqu pointed out that it was important that the National Development Plan (NDP) also “worked for the people”.

Highlighting small-business development as a key driver of economic growth in a few European countries, Zungu Investment Company executive chairperson Sandile Zungu stressed that small businesses were the “economic salvation” of South Africa, as this would fuel economic freedom.

He therefore emphasised the importance of entrepreneurs continuously striving for innovation – which was mostly based on, but should not be limited to, technology – and investing in people to be successful.

“A lot of entrepreneurs have a tendency to focus more on infrastructure projects and neglect people- centred opportunities, which is a sector that will drive economic freedom radically,” Zungu said, adding that the human-capital aspect of any development and growth was important.

While commending the boldness of entrepreneurs, he referred to entrepreneurship as “a road less travelled”. He said it was pivotal for entrepreneurs to remain single-minded in their striving for business growth.