Page 14 - KZN Business Sense- Vol5 No4

THISABILITY: A GRADUATION FROM ACCEPTANCE TO EMBRACING

usa E. Zulu, creative In 1995, when he was 23 years at helping clients achieve optimal Past Achievements Newspaper’, a publication to
director of his old, following injuries resulting marketing and communications’ ■ In 2019 he was presented highlight disability socio-
Mcompany, Valhalla from a car accident, Zulu became targets. with the NHBRC Iqhawe economic empowerment,
Arts is a published author, an paralyzed and wheelchair bound. Through reflecting on his Mentorship Award at the entertainment and community
award winning entrepreneur, Consequently, he found himself personal experiences and annual Black Business related stories of the world of
international artist, celebrated faced with one of the hardest inner qualities, applying disability.
motivational speaker and challenges that life can bring – his management skills and Quarterly (BBQ) Awards, in ■ In 2009 he launched the ‘Santa
prominent disability activist in disability. unleashing his entrepreneurial recognition of his exceptional Wheels’ Christmas project
South Africa. ability and commitment to
However, through applying his attitude, Zulu has established guiding and mentoring to bring cheer to children with
After achieving an Honours personal philosophy of embracing himself as a change agent. emerging entrepreneurs. disabilities in community
degree in Sociology at the change, Zulu not only found a Zulu focuses his ‘change ■ In 2016 he received an Award centres and hospitals during
University of Natal (1993), way to cope with his new life, agent’ interventions primarily at the 2nd Annual ‘We the festive season.
Zulu lectured in the Faculty of but to inspire others as well. towards the development of Can ARTS FESTIVAL’ held in ■ In the year 2007 he won both
Humanities before moving to Over the past 24 years he has self-motivation. His services have KwaZulu-Natal the ‘Best Entrepreneur of the
the corporate world as human delivered motivational talks to helped organisations transform Year Award’ and the coveted
resources manager. various institutions throughout themselves by focusing on such ■ Also in 2016 he was invited ‘Platinum Award’ at the annual
South Africa. These invitations to come and receive an award,
He was fast climbing the career matters as staff motivation, presented by Mind Set 101, for Black Business Quarterly
ladder when his life took a have included being requested to coaching and mentorship, ‘21 Years of Mental Strength (BBQ) Awards.
deliver strategic solutions aimed
dramatic and unexpected turn. organisational growth based and Tenacity’. ■ He was ‘One of 10 South
on effectiveness, efficiency and African Men we just Love’
communications improvement, ■ In 2013 the KwaZulu-Natal Oprah Magazine 2006].
together with how to develop Department of Education
a framework for managing the presented Valhalla Arts with an ■ In 2006 he joined forces with
people side of change. ‘Award in Inclusive Education’ a paraplegic friend to establish
■ In 2013 he was invited by the INDIMEZULU Trust which
In addition, Zulu is well- awards bursaries to students
renowned for conceptualizing American Embassy in South with disabilities in KwaZulu-
and authoring his motivational Africa, Durban, to participate Natal.
modules. Some of his titles include: in the State Department ■ He won ‘Man of the Moment’
sponsored International Visitor
■ Rainbow Colours on Black & Leadership Program (IVLP) [True Love Magazine 2002]
White: Utilising Art to Achieve
Team-Building ■ He is the recipient of both Zulu is the author of four
■ THISABILITY: A Graduation the eThekwini Municipality books: “The Language of Me”;
‘Mayors’ Achiever Award’
from Acceptance to Embracing (2013) and ‘The Phoenix Light “Wheels on the Soul of my
■ How Effective Managers & Group Distinguished Service Shoes”; “Tributes: The Story”
Executives L.E.A.D Award’ (2013) and “Mastering the Art of
■ 6 Essentials for Mastering the ■ In 2012 Valhalla Arts, in Selfmotivation: Tapping the
Inner You!”.
Art of Self-Motivation partnership with Killa Joe
He is also an established
His past corporate clients’ Records, he embarked on the artist and has been widely
portfolio includes Sanlam, Old ‘Ego Sum Quod Sum – I Am commissioned by individuals,
Mutual, Standard Bank, KPMG, What I Am!’ Disability Arts organisations and corporates
Pearson SA, LFP, ADAPT IT, Exhibition to showcase the to create artworks which depict
IDC Arivia. Com, Multichoice role of music, crafts, literature business profiles. 
and the SABC. He has also been and poetry in enabling
invited to lead creative sessions disability identity, expression
for project kick-offs at various and empowerment. For more information contact:
government and community ■ In 2011, together with partners, C: 083 3488 729
Musa E. Zulu organisation forums. he founded the ‘THISABILITY W: www.valhallaarts.co.za

MOULDING THE ENTREPRENEURS OF TOMORROW

he official unemployment The main feasible solution innovative and environmentally across the province and online at for young people to come up with
rate in South Africa is at is for young people to go friendly. Businesses are created www.Ithala.co.za. new innovative and interesting
T27.6% according to Stats SA. into entrepreneurship and to close a gap in the market Entry forms must be dropped ideas as the competition closes on
A greater concern is that youth open their own businesses. and offer solutions to people. 30 September 2019. 
unemployment stands at 55.2% of Ithala Development Finance Contemporary business ideas off in the Inkunzímatholeni
this official unemployment figure. Corporation (Ithala), which is have to encompass environmental Youth in Business Competition
entry boxes available at Ithala
The job market is unable to absorb a key role player in supporting issues and be innovative by Head Office, Ithala SOC limited
all the young people graduating entrepreneurship through, creating products and services
from tertiary institutions plus amongst other things, providing that will be used by consumers branches or via email at inkunzi@
those finishing school, resulting funding and business support of the 21st century, who have ithala.co.za. There is ample time
in the current issue of high to SMMEs in the province more choice and are demanding.
youth unemployment. A further of KwaZulu Natal, has been Entrants to the competition are
challenge is that the fourth playing a meaningful role in this encouraged to come up with
industrial revolution, which regard. Ithala’s “My Business uniquely innovative ideas that are
is characterized by high level Indaba” programme specifically viable and sustainable.
technology and a greater use focuses on young people through
of robotics, is likely to require InkunzÍsematholeni Youth in The competition is currently
fewer people across all fields in all Business Programme which open and the youth is encouraged
to enter by providing a clear
industries. rewards the winner with R200 000 description of their business
worth of business support.
What then is the way forward ideas which will operate in the
in the current climate of The Inkunz’ isematholeni Youth province of KwaZulu Natal. To
high unemployment levels in in Business competition aims enter, fill in the entry form which
general, plus even higher youth to stimulate young people into is available at Ithala Head Office,
unemployment levels in particular? generating business ideas that are all Ithala SOC Limited branches

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