Branson in Braamfontein

In an interview with Business Day on Saturday, Sir Richard referred to the risks posed to the global economy by severe university debt, saying university was not for everyone. Rather, entrepreneurial skills needed to be offered to students early. His comments came as the US Occupy Wall Street protests against capitalism have given root to an Occupy Student Loans movement, which calls for loan forgiveness.

"University is certainly not the answer for everyone but I do not want to dissuade people from going to college because it can be useful," Sir Richard said. "However, people who want to be entrepreneurs need to learn the skills needed and to get going early. Schools should teach these people these skills by the time they are 16."

Government loans for youths to start businesses could be a good idea even if these came with risks. "The state should do what it can to assist young people. Yes, many businesses don't succeed, but for many projects, you don't need as much as a loan ."

Sir Richard was in SA for the launch of his book, Screw Business As Usual. The book challenges business to serve the environment and customers better and not just as "money-seeking shareholders". "My message is a simple one: business as usual isn't working. In fact, it's ‘business as usual' that's wrecking our planet," Sir Richard writes. He spent the day visiting the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, in Braamfontein, where a "speed dating" event was held.

Aspiring business people who had completed mentorship courses were given 30 minutes to describe their businesses to business developers, who gave them advice.

One of the business developers was a founder of the centre, Taddy Blecher, the chairman of the national government task team on entrepreneurship and also the CEO of the Community and Individual Development Association. Mr Blecher said the "speed dating" event was the first major one since the centre opened six years ago and that he was impressed with the number of candidates who attended. Among them was Marea Lewis, who runs an operation called Local Laaitie, which makes toddlers' clothing.

Largely funding it from her own pocket, Ms Lewis said she believed the government could do more to help entrepreneurs. "I have not gone the government route for funding but have been told it can be frustrating as it takes long to get money. I think other new business owners may appreciate better services from government."

This Alistair Anderson story was found on Business Day on 12/12/2011