Simphiwe Blom is currently studying Postgraduate Diploma in Management at Wits Business School
Simphiwe Blom describes himself as a “hard worker, solutionist, social entrepreneur and business strategist”. Blom, a student at the Wits Business School is the co-founder of Afrika Forth Industries, owner of start-up Candid Portraits photography, and a youth co-ordinator for South African Congress of All Non-Profit Organisations.
This year he has developed a mobile app called Fundani that allows students from Wits to sell and buy second-hand textbook at affordable prices.
“The reason I developed the app was after I had seen a lot of students struggling to buy textbooks because they’re too expensive and after using the textbooks some didn’t know what to do with them,” he said.
Blom, 21, is currently studying towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PDM) after completing a BSc in Biochemistry at Wits in 2017. In addition to all his regular commitments, Blom is also an internship representative for PDM where he works closely with the department to connect students with corporates for internship opportunities.
“I’m passionate about entrepreneurship,” said Blom. “I want to see the South African economy striving and that’s the reason why I’m proactive and creating employment for the youth,” the 21-year-old continued.
As if that is not enough, Blom also finds the time to teach high school learners in Soweto computer skills which include programming and coding. “We have previously hosted Charlie Monson from the Global Connector company and Zongezile Qeba who is SABC1 One Day Leader winner and founder of a poultry company,” he said.
Blom urges students to always take opportunities that are presented to them. “We have opportunities that our parents didn’t have. Education is now free and government is willing to fund businesses that have potential to create jobs and offer solutions to what South Africa is currently struggling with. All we have to do is put in the work,” he said.
Blom will travel to the University of the Western Cape to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summer School from September 9 – 15.
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