"It requires hard work. Let's forget about getting rich quick without rolling up our sleeves. It also requires being financially literate. Starting a business is not driving flashy cars. You have to understand the basics of what you do.

"It is also important not to mix your personal and business accounts, and so is understanding your target market. Is your market interested in what you offer? Have you priced it correctly? Clearly you have some homework to do before starting a business," said Cronje.

The initiative was met with much praise. Sikhulile Cooperative chair Masinama Lushaba commended the MEC for her role in the growth of entrepreneurs in the province. Lushaba was one of the first cooperatives, appointed by the KZN Department of Education in 2006, to participate in the school nutrition programme.

The cooperative has already paid back their loan and are now ready to expand. Lushaba said the financial literacy programme will be used to guide them with their expansion goals.

For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/kPbf0Z http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/11/11062209451002