LEVUBU - Local community members are excited about an opportunity given to them to become entrepreneurs. This opportunity allows them to start their own ornamental fish farming business.

The Environmental Advisory and Assessment Unit in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Venda will help them to make this dream come true. The Environmental Unit approached the Tswinga and Mashawana communities to help them solicit funding for the project.

Ebony Consulting International (ECI) agreed to fund a trial phase of the project, which includes training at Mr Pierre le Roux's farm in Levubu. Pierre le Roux is an ornamental fish breeder. He offered to train community members on his premises. After training these members, the aim is to become business partners with Mr Le Roux, where they will be involved in rearing ornamental fish for him on contract.

The fish will then be sold to wholesalers in Gauteng.

This project has the potential to eventually train and create jobs for 200 members of the community.

The Environmental Advisory and Assessment Unit invites the community to come for advice and assistance with community projects. The Environmental Unit also provides services on a consultancy basis, which include the following: Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and environmental management plans (EMP), business plans, project proposals and project management. For further enquiries please contact Koos Steyn at the School of Environmental Sciences at Tel/Fax: (015) 962 8577, Cell 082 4498 027.