Energetics SA launches Cups for Life
Energetics SA, the renewable energy arm of CHS Eco Technologies, recently launched Cups for Life, a not-for profit empowerment programme that aims to identify, train and empower potential entrepreneurs who can't find work or struggle to get into the job market.
How it works: Within a year, if they successfully complete the training, a trailer will become theirs. It will operate on a full franchise principle whereby the owners will work for themselves. Each franchisee will appoint at least two assistants, who will be paid from the earnings of the franchise. The franchisee will also pay 10% of the earnings into the programme and must be willing to pass the training they have received on to new candidates, thus 'paying it forward'.
The programme will also assist in additional job creation as it requires about 10 workers to create a trailer from start to finish.
Cups for Life will approach companies to advertise their businesses on these trailers, and, in so doing, create a snowball effect by helping to build the next batch of trailers.
Marlene Robson, CEO of Energetics SA, says, “Cups for Life calls on South Africans to support this worthy cause. Wherever you spot this bright yellow trailer, buy a cup of superior quality coffee and know that you're supporting someone who is taking responsibility for his or her future and is willing to work hard for it."
Statistics South Africa has released figures that paint a bleak picture for young South Africans, she adds. Its 'Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q2: 2017' reveals the following:
Young people aged 15-24 remain vulnerable in the labour market with an unemployment rate of almost 56% and absorption rate of 12%. Among those in this age group, 32,2% are not in employment, education or training. This is approximately 3,3 million young people aged 15-24 who are idle.
Moreover, according to Statistics SA’s second quarter unemployment numbers, the country has shed 113,000 jobs over that period.
Marlene Robson and Bruce Anderson
How it started: In May 2017, Energetics was approached by Bruce Anderson to fit a generator into his coffee trailer. Anderson was involved in a motorcycle accident in 1982, which left him with the use of only one arm and he needed a solution to this problem.
True to form, having successfully developed and designed turnkey solutions to renewable energy challenges as a team, Josias Kearney, one of the Energetics engineers suggested a renewable energy system which rendered a generator redundant. Renewable energy is noise free and is able to provide electricity to Anderson’s trailer without the need for any additional power sources.
After successfully assisting Anderson, Robson came up with the idea to help other South Africans in a similar way, and in August 2017 Cups for Life was established.
For more info, call Marlene Robson on 072 6275 233 or email her at az.oc.asscitegrene@enelram.
