As the youth unemployment crisis persists in South Africa, young entrepreneurs are taking steps to create opportunities that are missing from them, creating businesses that not only sustain themselves, but also create jobs and skills within their communities. With more than four in 10 young South Africans currently unable to find work, the urgency to create new pathways to economic participation has never been greater. Although the challenge is well known, often less attention is paid to the young entrepreneurs who are actively working to change this reality and many of their businesses go unfunded.
This is according to Gugu Majadu, Executive General Manager, Marketing and Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, who is highlighting three young entrepreneurs whose businesses are not only sustaining livelihoods, but also driving meaningful change in their communities.
“Youth-led SMEs are playing a vital role in addressing unemployment by creating jobs, building skills and unlocking new opportunities within communities. By supporting young entrepreneurs, we are not only investing in individual businesses, but also in the broader economic future of the country,” says Majadu.
Transforming Purpose into Empowerment
For Glow Up Nails founder Fefe Ntsoelengo (32), entrepreneurship was born out of personal loss, but it has evolved into a business that empowers others.
“I come from a strong entrepreneurial background – my mother was a single parent who built a business after my father passed away,” she explains. “During the lockdown, I started doing nails at home, practicing on myself and my mom. We also discussed starting a nail business together, and after losing her to COVID-19, I decided to pursue that dream, creating something that wasn't just about survival, but about purpose.”
Today, FFE aims to focus on long-term career development for women. “I saw how many women in the beauty industry lack stability, benefits, and long-term opportunities. So, Glow Up evolved into a place where we focus on empowering, training, and building careers for women so they can not only survive, but thrive.”
Creating Jobs and Financial Freedom
As a young woman stepping into an existing business, Lerato Gumede, 29, owner of branding and promotional products company Impact Branding, initially faced skepticism from some customers. “I had to actively seek out new opportunities, prove myself, and rebuild trust. Over time, through consistent delivery and hard work, I started winning referrals and growing the business organically.”
Since taking charge, Gumede has steadily turned the business from loss-making to profitable while creating employment opportunities within its community. Gumede is also enrolled in the Business Partners Limited Supplier Development Programme. “My main goal was personal financial freedom, but today we are making an impact by creating jobs,” she says. “Every job created contributes to someone's livelihood, and I believe that's what matters.”
Expanding access to skills and opportunity
In the field of education, Brian Poopedy (33), founder of Revo Quest Institute, is working to bridge the gap between qualification and employability by equipping individuals with practical, work-ready skills.
“Revo Quest Institute was created in response to a need I identified in the training sector. It reflects my view of how effective training processes can aid company growth while creating a meaningful impact in the lives of learners.”
Since launching, the business has grown rapidly – creating jobs and training hundreds of individuals. “Today, we employ 11 people and have trained over 300 learners in our first three years of operation – an achievement of which I am incredibly proud.”
The main focus of the business is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which helps individuals turn work experience into formal qualifications and unlock new opportunities. “Our aim is to create a gateway for experienced people who have not realized their potential to reach their goals in the workplace,” explains Poopedi. “RPL represents hope for them.”
Enabling a generation of job creators
Majdu says that while access to funding, markets and mentorship remains a challenge for many young entrepreneurs, these three inspiring entrepreneurs are testament to the impact and potential of youth-led SMEs in South Africa.
“Young entrepreneurs aren't waiting for opportunities; they're creating them. We've seen firsthand how, with the right support, these businesses have the potential to scale their impact, making a meaningful contribution to job creation and economic inclusion,” he concluded.