Become an Entrepreneur – South Africa Needs You

As 2025 marches on, one truth is becoming crystal clear: we need a lot more entrepreneurs in South Africa. It’s no longer a luxury — it’s becoming essential for every South African to create a source of income just to sustain a basic lifestyle. We are now living in a time where unemployment in South Africa is at an all-time high. The national unemployment rate hovers around 32.4%, with youth unemployment (ages 15–34) alarmingly high at 45.5%. Although we do everything possible to place great candidates into available vacancies, we also want to speak directly to the go-getters — the people who need to put food on the table. The ones who want to work but simply can’t find opportunities.

Start by making a list of 10 things your community needs — or that you need. Think about what you’re good at, what you’re interested in.

You’ve heard it before: “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” In truth, you’ll still hustle and work long hours — but you’ll be doing it for yourself and for those who depend on you.

We’ve kept this article simple. If even one person benefits from it, we’ll be ecstatic. If you’re already an entrepreneur, we’d love to hear your advice and story. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s support the ones grinding every single day.

• Coursera: Offers over 9,000 courses across various fields, with many free options and accredited certificates.
• Udemy: Provides a vast array of affordable courses, often with lifetime access.
• YouTube: A treasure trove of tutorials and lectures on virtually any topic.
• LinkedIn Learning: Features 17,000+ courses focusing on professional development

Teach yourself business, marketing, sales, and finance. Start small. Learn daily.

We always say: JUST START.

Yes, you might fail. But you’ll learn. Then you’ll try again — smarter.

• Love cooking? Offer to make cakes / treats for people in the local area.
• Handy with tools? Offer mobile repairs or handyman work.

Remember, nearly half (49%) of aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide hesitate due to fear of failure — don’t let that be you.

Find role models. Watch how they move on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Learn how they market, talk, and solve problems. Stop chasing a million-rand idea. Success often comes from doing the hard work others won’t.

If you can buy books, here are some must-reads:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Websites like Entrepreneur.com, Bizcommunity, and Smallstarter Africa

No money? No problem. Everything is online. Got an obstacle? Google how others have solved it. Learn to sell. Train your mind. Speak positively to yourself every single day. If all you sell today is your smile, you’re still building trust — and your personal brand.

Learn how to:

• Design with Canva: Now includes AI-powered tools for design, coding, and spreadsheets.
• Invoice with Wave or Zoho: Free accounting software for small businesses.
• Build websites with Wix or Google Sites: User-friendly platforms to establish your online presence.
• Run social media through Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Don’t wait for money. Start with what you’ve got:

• Buy & sell on WhatsApp or Facebook Marketplace.
• Offer tutoring, laundry, baking, or graphic design.
• Use your phone and your network.

Even if it’s unpaid, you’ll gain experience:

• Dealing with customers
• Handling money
• Managing stress
• Building discipline

You’ll learn what works — and what doesn’t.

Check out:

• SAYouth.mobi: A free platform connecting youth to opportunities
• National Youth Development Agency NYDA: Offers support and funding for young entrepreneurs.
• Harambee Youth Employment: Provides job opportunities and training
• Local chambers, churches, and business groups.

Your network = your net worth.

You will make mistakes. That’s okay. The key? Don’t quit. Learn. Adapt. Try again. Bring your family along — build a team. Surround yourself with people who get it. Success attracts success.

What drives you? Money? Freedom? Family? Purpose? Keep your why in front of you — it’s what will push you through tough days.

You don’t need perfect conditions. You need courage, a smartphone, and grit. Spend your time with people who can advise you, people who you respect, people who you admire. South Africa is crying out for young minds willing to hustle, build, and grow. Be the spark. Become an entrepreneur. We believe in you.