Young Bay achievers share their tips for the youth to find success

[caption id="attachment_35796" align="alignright" width="250"] NICOLE DUNN[/caption]

DESPITE the many challenges facing youth in the country today, these Bay go-getters have proven that young people can achieve and be successful in their chosen professions:

• Southern Kings player Siviwe "Shakes" Soyizwapi, 21, believes Youth Day is important despite the youth not often considering themselves important.

"It feels like a very adult-driven world to many but what they do not realise is that the youth are the adults of tomorrow," he said.

Soyizwapi, who squared off against Wales at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, said his advice to young people today was not to give up.

"I would tell them to follow through on what they have set for themselves and stick to what they are doing and believe."

He said he owed his rugby success to his parents, who sacrificed all to see him succeed.

"I am from Maclear in the Transkei, where I went to school until 2006. My parents then sent me to Dale College because they knew how passionate I was about rugby and that I'd have more opportunities there," he said.

"I find inspiration in my parents because I want to give it all back to them," he said.

He said the youth today needed to consider the sacrifices their parents made for them as well.

His dream was to play for the Springboks against the All Blacks.

• Port Elizabeth businessman Jaco Serfontein, 27, started his business selling health supplements from his car boot, but today he is expanding his business nationally and employs 36 staff.

As managing director of Nutritech Nutrition Technology, Serfontein manufactures and distributes supplements for athletes and bodybuilders.

"At the moment we are expanding our supplements and launching into the cereal and functional foods markets," he said.

Serfontein, of Kamma Park, said young people were important for the country's future, especially its economy.

"Yes opportunities are scarce but I was in the construction industry and took a chance. I saw a gap in the nutritional market because I am passionate about healthy living. That is why when I come to work it never feels like work because I love what I do."

Serfontein said young people should be more keen to take a risk because they did not have as much to lose as older and more settled people.

"I would never have done it if I was married and had children to support but if you are young you can make mistakes and start over again. I was also lucky to have the emotional support of my family who I could go to for advice."

Serfontein said education was vital and advised young people to learn as much as possible to prepare for their chosen careers.

• Nicole Dunn, 26, of Forest Hill, is a beauty queen studying towards her master's degree in development studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Dunn also works at the university as a development researcher.

"Youth Day is a day for young people to reflect on their potential and realise that the future of our country lies in our hands. It reminds us of young people making a difference in our country, in fact changing the course of history as with the Soweto uprising. Realise your greatness, because we have the power to enforce change," she said.

Dunn said her work included examining how corporates and business could contribute to sustainable community development in Nelson Mandela Bay. She believes everyone has a purpose in life that they need to fulfil.

"The challenges you face are only there to prepare you for what lies ahead. My career involves research to find resources that help overcome these challenges. They are out there, but you need to work for it. Maintain a positive attitude, work hard and believe you have a purpose – the rest will fall into place."

Dunn is also involved in charity work and tries to get sponsorship and donations for a children's pre-primary educare in Malabar extension 6.

• Jaco Rademeyer, 32, is principal of Jaco Rademeyer Estates and has won several awards for his work, which includes closing deals amounting to tens of millions of rands.

"For me, Youth Day is about celebrating our future because the youth are our upcoming leaders who are going to take this country forward," he said.

Only 23 when he started in real estate, Rademeyer defied the odds and now runs one of the most successful firms in the city. He attributes this to hard work.

"Gary Player said the harder you work, the luckier you get. Do not let anything stand in your way because I have seen entrepreneurs build successful businesses without a cent to their name. The money is lying out there in the street. All you need is a good concept and idea to help you pick it up," he said.

Rademeyer said he was now also helping the Small Business Network to assist young entrepreneurs. - Lee-Anne Butler