International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March. This day is an ode to women all over the globe, where we embrace, celebrate and encourage a world that’s free of bias, discrimination and stereotypes. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, allowing for more diversity, inclusivity and gender equality. It seems only fitting that MeMeZa’s Ikasi Secure Project is on a similar mission to help forge a more gender-equal world through increasing visibility in previously male-dominated industries.
Safety and security have been a concern in South Africa for too long, while the country’s unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world. The Ikasi Security Project, sponsored by South African Impact Investment Fund E-Squared, is an initiative that not only empowers individuals but improves safety in South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
“We want to empower communities in South Africa with an unbiased approach to entrepreneurship,” says Elmarie Pereira, Chief Operations Officer at MeMeZa Community Safety. “Through the Ikasi Secure Project, we have selected in nine entrepreneurs who have shown initiative, dedication and enthusiasm for creating a better future for themselves while contributing to the country’s most vulnerable and high-risk communities.”
“Our plan is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Soweto through a business model that can be scaled across the country. We received an overwhelming amount of interest from young people all over Soweto, and it was incredibly difficult to choose just nine that we felt best aligned with what we were looking for. Of the nine entrepreneurs, five are females whose tenacity, intelligence, enthusiasm and business savvy mindset simply cannot be denied. We’re very proud of these strong and independent women and look forward to what they can bring to this exciting and worthwhile project,” continued Pereira.
Spotlight on the women of Ikasi
Katlego Mothwai (31) is one of our recruits who acknowledges her willingness to learn in the face of new challenges as her biggest strength. “I’m a confident, observant and reserved individual, and I believe I will truly be an asset to the Ikasi Secure Project and the community of Soweto,” she says. Mothwai obtained her Psira E, D, C & B certificate without any formal security experience or training. “After matric, I obtained my N6 in Human Resource Management and have several years of working experience at Emfuleni municipality, VVM Debt Collection and Old Mutual. I am very excited about the opportunities this initiative will bring my community and me.”
Lebohang Masindi is the youngest of the entrepreneurs at just 23 years old. She is an enthusiastic, hard-working and focused person who is ready and eager to grow, learn and establish herself as a real force to be reckoned with. “I believe I can make a difference in any company that’s willing to give me an opportunity to improve myself and grow within the industry. Lebohang’s hope for Ikasi Secure is to one day own a security company and help her community with security solutions.
Mpho Rodah Ntobela (33) describes herself as reliable, punctual and hard-working. She says, “I am willing to learn new things and see myself as an asset and very valuable to any company who gives me a chance.” Mpho obtained a Psira certificate and has previous security experience. “My hope for Ikasi Secure is to learn and experience new things, engage with people and build relationships within the community. I also want to give people hope for a safer South Africa.”
Murendeni Mohlabane (28) is a kind, empathetic, hard-working young lady who is passionate about community safety and development. “I’m always willing to learn and grab opportunities with both hands,” she says. “I’m committed to contributing to building and implementing a strategic plan to help fight crime in our community with the skills I’ve obtained from the Memeza Youth Entrepreneur Programme.”
To round off the list of Ikasi’s incredible female entrepreneurs is Vuyokazi Muronga (33), a reliable, friendly, hardworking, and patient individual. “I am a go-getter willing to explore other opportunities. I love working in an environment that encourages personal and professional growth and success.” Vuyokazi obtained her Grade B Psira certificate, as well as customer service and non-financial management certificate. “I come with loads of experience in the sales industry, and my hope with Ikasi is to keep communities safe in order for investors to keep investing in small local businesses.”
Leading the charge
The Ikasi Secure Project is just another way MeMeZa is contributing to South African communities. Through community-based projects, MeMeZa provides the latest tools and technologies to vulnerable communities that may not have access to these resources. “Through the Ikasi Project, we have been able to provide these impressive young people with an opportunity to earn an income and contribute to society. They learn business skills and get set up for future success. The young women we have selected are all incredibly gifted, and we’re positive they will use this platform to inspire, encourage and thrive,” Elmarie concludes.
About MeMeZa
MeMeZa Shout Crime Prevention was founded in 2012 and specialise in providing affordable, innovative Connected Community Safety Technology, with a special focus on the most vulnerable people in society. Through well-established industry partnerships, MeMeZa offers a first-of-its-kind public safety solution. MeMeZa’s value proposition is based on enabling Private and Public Partnerships.
