The ATKV builds young millionaires

We’d all be thrilled with an extra million or two, and if Albert van Wyk and the ATKV have their way, most of South Africa’s youth will soon be millionaires.

“Having your own business and being profitable is much easier than people think,” says Albert, a successful entrepreneur and self-made millionaire.

With his own success story and passion for entrepreneurship, Albert now inspires thousands of young entrepreneurs. In the TV show Maak my ’n miljoenêr – sponsored by the ATKV and currently airing on VIA (DStv channel 147) – he shares practical tips and strategies for achieving financial independence.

In the programme, Albert identifies high school entrepreneurs to mentor and help realise their financial dreams. The top 20 entrepreneurs are put to the test, and the winner walks away with a cash prize.

Albert says the programme has two main goals:

“Firstly, we want to raise awareness of entrepreneurship among our youth. It is possible to start your own business and shape your own future,” he says.

He believes that entrepreneurship is not discussed in schools and in children’s homes enough.

“With the show, we identify young entrepreneurs in our schools and mentor them to possibly become millionaires. There are so many entrepreneurs in our schools that just need a bit of advice and guidance.”

Together with the ATKV, Albert and his team visited 82 schools this year and spoke to more than 93 000 learners.

Albert – enterprising from a young age – was able to call himself a millionaire at just 22 years old. Today he owns a construction company and a media agency, among other ventures.

He says he wishes someone had given him the kind of guidance he now shares with learners when he was still at school.

“I didn’t have someone like this – I had to learn the hard way by gaining experience myself. Now I want to be the entrepreneur who guides young people and inspires them to achieve financial independence.”

Albert is also grateful for the ATKV’s support.

“Since the ATKV became involved, I’ve realised again how much the organisation cares for South Africa’s youth – not only through their youth projects, but also through their contribution to the Maak my ’n miljoenêr project.

“It’s clear that the ATKV is passionate about our young people and truly wants to empower them.”

What is his advice to young entrepreneurs?

“Just start. Start reading books about business and build your knowledge. Then take action and apply what you’ve learned. Your business will grow from the lessons you pick up along the way. It’s simple – knowledge and experience are what make you a successful entrepreneur.”

Maak my ’n miljoenêr is available to watch on DStv Catch Up.