Entrepreneur pathfinder

UNLOCK THE YOUTH AND THEY WILL MAKE A FUTURE.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

In the heart of Imizamo Yethu, a densely-populated informal settlement nestled in the hills of Hout Bay, opportunity is often the exception, not the rule. Yet from its zinc-roofed maze and unpaved paths, Arthur Yanda Mexico emerged with a vision to turn township-born dreams into scalable businesses and hopelessness into hustle.

Mexico, a social entrepreneur and founder of Access Network Africa (ANA), is using his journey from township to boardroom to empower others. As South Africa commemorated Youth Day yesterday (16 June) his story served as a timely reminder of what can happen when young people are equipped, and not overlooked.

"Growing up taught me to make a plan, especially when resources are scarce," said Mexico. "There's a unique kind of creativity and drive that comes from places such as this. I knew I had to honour that spirit by building something for young people like me."