Job seekers to job creators: The entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa's youth

Michael Andisile Mayalo

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of young South Africans turning to entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities.

With the country facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, particularly among youth, many have realized that conventional job-seeking methods are not viable for securing a stable future.

Instead, they are looking toward innovation and business creation as alternatives, navigating sectors like technology, agriculture, and creative industries to establish themselves in the market.

Entrepreneurship presents an attractive alternative for young South Africans, especially as the traditional labour market cannot absorb the increasing number of graduates and job seekers. According to the latest data, youth unemployment in South Africa is alarmingly high, with over 60% of young people aged 15 to 24 unable to find work.

This dismal statistic drives many young individuals to consider starting their businesses rather than waiting for opportunities that may never come. The advantages of entrepreneurship are evident. It offers individuals the freedom to pursue their passions, challenge conventional systems, and ultimately contribute to the economy by creating jobs and generating income. As technology and digital platforms continue to reshape industries globally, there are vast opportunities in sectors like tech, e-commerce, and social media, where young entrepreneurs can thrive by tapping into emerging trends. For instance, the rise of mobile app development, digital marketing, and online retail has made it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to set up businesses with relatively low start-up costs and wide-reaching customer bases.

The agricultural sector also offers immense potential. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of South Africa's economy, and innovations in sustainable farming, agritech, and food security have created opportunities for young entrepreneurs to make their mark. By leveraging modern technologies and new approaches to farming, young South Africans can tap into local and international markets, helping to bolster food production while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.

Despite the vast opportunities, the journey toward entrepreneurship in South Africa has significant challenges. One of the most pressing hurdles is access to funding. Although the government and various private-sector institutions have introduced funding schemes to support small businesses, the reality for many young entrepreneurs is that these avenues are difficult to access.

Limited capital, a lack of collateral, and a high-risk business environment make securing loans and investments a major obstacle. Furthermore, many young entrepreneurs lack the financial literacy to navigate the complex world of business financing, making them more susceptible to financial mismanagement and failure. Another challenge hampering youth entrepreneurship is the lack of mentorship and guidance. Entrepreneurship is a difficult and often lonely road, and without proper mentorship, many young South Africans are left to learn through trial and error.

Experienced business owners and professionals can provide valuable insights into the intricacies of running a business, helping to avoid common pitfalls. However, mentorship opportunities are scarce and inaccessible, especially in underdeveloped regions. While some private-sector initiatives and non-governmental organizations are working to fill this gap, the support network remains insufficient for many entrepreneurs.

Additionally, infrastructure issues present a major hurdle, particularly in rural areas.

While South Africa's infrastructure is relatively advanced in urban areas, it remains inadequate in many parts of the country, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to expand their operations or reach broader markets. For example, unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and limited transportation networks create significant obstacles for young business owners looking to scale their ventures. In industries like tech and e-commerce, a lack of reliable internet access and electricity is a critical problem, impeding business growth and technological innovation.

While these challenges are significant, one of the most glaring issues is the government's role, or lack thereof, in supporting young entrepreneurs.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) has failed to deliver on its promise to create a supportive environment for youth-led businesses. Despite numerous initiatives and policies addressing youth unemployment, there has been little progress. The government's track record in tackling young entrepreneurs' challenges—such as access to capital, mentorship, and infrastructure development—remains poor. Instead of prioritizing long-term economic development, the government has often focused on short-term political goals, leaving young South Africans to fend for themselves.

Initiatives to support small businesses have been slow to materialize, and bureaucratic red tape, mismanagement of funds, and a lack of policy follow-through further frustrate young entrepreneurs. The government's inability to address these systemic issues reflects a failure to create an environment that fosters economic growth and supports the entrepreneurial ambitions of the youth. Another area where the government has fallen short is the lack of investment in practical education and training for entrepreneurship.

The education system fails to equip students with the skills needed for the modern business world. Traditional academic programs focus heavily on theory, while practical, real-world business education remains underdeveloped. Young South Africans entering the workforce or attempting to start their businesses often do so without the technical knowledge or skills to succeed.

The Way Forward

To address young entrepreneurs' challenges, the government must take proactive steps to foster an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish. This includes improving access to **finance** through accessible loans, grants, and venture capital opportunities. The bureaucracy surrounding these funding options needs to be simplified, and financial literacy programs should be implemented to help young entrepreneurs better understand business finances.

Additionally, the government must invest in mentorship and education programs to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary guidance and skills.

Creating more partnerships with established businesses and entrepreneurs would help fill this gap, allowing the youth to learn from those who have successfully navigated the challenges of starting a business.

Finally, addressing infrastructure issues — particularly in rural areas — would go a long way toward enabling young entrepreneurs to thrive. Better access to electricity, reliable internet, and transport infrastructure are fundamental for business growth and development. The government’s failure to create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs underscores the need for systemic change. By focusing on education, mentorship, access to capital, and infrastructure, South Africa can empower its youth to build successful businesses that will contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation.

With the right support, young entrepreneurs will have the tools and opportunities to succeed in a challenging economic landscape.

Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator