Not just hustling: What funding misses about youth enterprises

AS WE CLOSE of Youth Month, we're reminded that the spirit of South Africa's youth is as vital today as it was in generations past, with those who once fought for freedom paving the way for a new wave of young people who are now crafting their own futures through grassroots entrepreneurship and creating solutions that matter most to their communities.

- TSAKANI NKOMBYANE

In 2025, many young South Africans are not just chasing jobs - far from it.

They are crafting real solutions to power cuts, water shortages, school drop-outs, and gender-based violence.

From rural villages to township streets, these youth-led enterprises are grounded in the lived realities of the communities they serve.

But for many, translating those impactful ideas into sustainable businesses remains difficult — even though support exists, from government agencies like NYDA and Sefa, access to these opportunities often remains a challenge.

Formal funding processes often require documentation such as audited financials, tax clearance certificates, detailed business plans, and reliable internet access.

These are not always readily available to youth operating from informal settings or in resource-constrained areas.