In South Africa youth entrepreneurship is encouraged as the best way to build the economy. Teens are no longer relying on tertiary education to jumpstart their careers, as many high school students become budding entrepreneurs. From make-up to confectionary and tech-centred ventures, youth entrepreneurship is taking the business world by storm.
“It’s easier than ever to become an entrepreneur, and technology has a lot to do with it. You’re a tech-savvy millennial, and Internet and mobile technologies make it easier to connect and identify with people, based on shared values and ideals,” says Michael Freestone, founder of the MJF Group. “All entrepreneurs wonder if their companies will succeed, but you don’t really know until you try. So, do it while you’re young and have little or nothing to lose.”
And that’s exactly what teenagers across the country are doing. While being a teenager is stressful enough, without worrying about marketing and your bottom line – these young entrepreneurs thrive on success, which must be their secret sauce to their winning business ideas.
- Rabia Ghoor
- Cory Nieves
- Nathan Woodrow
- Isabella Rose Taylor
- Mikaila Ulmer
- Moziah Bridges
- Tony McPherson
- Anthony Veck and Malvin Musanhi
- Reabetswe Nkonyane, Phumla Mvila, and Thandokazi Mtshakazana
- Omphile Sekwele and Didintle Nkambule
- Fisokuhle Lushaba and Wendy Nkosi