GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK: YOUTH REFLECTIONS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Junior Achievement South Africa’s annual flagship event stemming from the implementations of the 30 session JA Enterprise Programme joined our team in Johannesburg? from 27 -29 October, for the national JA Company of the Year competition that brought together 36 dynamic young learners from across the country. These learners, representing the top teams from their respective provinces, participated in? conferences and workshops designed to explore the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in South Africa.

The theme for this year, GreenOvation, urged the participants—Grades 10 and 11—to develop business ideas rooted in environmental sustainability. The event aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week’s theme, Breaking Barriers, Welcoming All, promoting inclusivity in entrepreneurship. With this in mind, the learners engaged in four key breakout sessions that aimed to dismantle the barriers young entrepreneurs often face.

Exploring Entrepreneurship in High School

The first session posed the question: Is starting a business as a high school learner helpful? The learners conducted a detailed analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of launching a business at a young age.

Many of the participants agreed that starting a business in high school allows learners to apply practical knowledge and skills early, with considerations on how the JA Enterprise Programme offered them a head start in understanding the complexities of entrepreneurship. They believed that being exposed to market analysis and planning at a young age sharpens their decision-making abilities, giving them a competitive edge in future business ventures.

However, the youth also highlighted several challenges they faced as a team and individually. Some reflected on the difficulty of balancing schoolwork with business responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. Others mentioned that procrastination and distractions sometimes take precedence over their entrepreneurial ambitions. Despite these hurdles, the learners emphasized the importance of gaining hands-on experience, which they felt equipped them to handle the inevitable trials and errors that come with running a business.

One of the main threats identified was the age restrictions that limit opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Economic instability and inflation were also seen as significant risks to business sustainability. Nevertheless, the overall consensus was that starting early helps build financial acumen and resilience—skills that are crucial for long-term success.

Key Players in Boosting Youth Entrepreneurship

The second breakout group sought to identify the key players in South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. The learners were asked: Who are the organisations and institutions actively supporting entrepreneurship, and how do they contribute to its growth?

Several prominent players were named, including retail giants Pick n Pay, Shoprite, and Spar, in giving small business a chance and? financial institutions like Absa Group, and educational supporters such as university bursaries and Tuks Novation. Learners highlighted the pivotal role Junior Achievement South Africa plays in teaching entrepreneurial skills and fostering innovation among youth through the JA Enterprise Progamme also referred to as the JA Company Programme, which led the participants to the national competition.?

Organisations such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) were also acknowledged for providing vital training and funding to young entrepreneurs. According to the learners, these entities not only support the growth of small businesses but also contribute to addressing broader societal challenges, such as youth unemployment and economic inequality. They noted that government-backed programs, including Small Enterprise Development Trust, have been instrumental in offering the skills needed to launch successful businesses.

Government’s Role in Igniting Entrepreneurship

The third breakout group focused on the role of government support in promoting entrepreneurship. Learners were asked: Is government support helpful in igniting entrepreneurship?

The overall response was that government support is indeed helpful, particularly through agencies like SEDA, which provides training and resources to small business owners. Learners expressed that these programs play a critical role in turning business ideas into reality, helping to nurture the entrepreneurial mindset from a young age.

However, the youth also pointed out challenges in accessing government support. They noted delays in funding and a lack of clear information on how to benefit from these programs. Additionally, concerns were raised about corruption and nepotism, which were seen as obstacles to fair access. The learners also highlighted a disconnect between the school curriculum and industry needs, making it difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate legal and administrative aspects of running a business.

Despite these challenges, government programs were recognized as crucial for providing funding, allowing young entrepreneurs to experience the business world and grow their ventures. The learners suggested that with better access to information and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles, these initiatives could be even more impactful.

Entrepreneurship as a Career Path

The final session examined the viability of entrepreneurship as a career path, exploring its pros and cons. The discussion centered around the question: Is entrepreneurship a promising career for youth, and what do they need to know?

Learners responded enthusiastically, seeing entrepreneurship as a path to independence and personal fulfillment. Many noted that being an entrepreneur, - gaining from their experience on the JA Enterprise Programme - allows individuals to be their own boss, with the flexibility to manage their time and resources according to their goals. They also pointed out that entrepreneurship offers significant growth potential, both personally and professionally, as it nurtures problem-solving skills and a sense of purpose.

However, learners acknowledged the risks involved. Uncertainty of income, resource limitations, and high competition in the market were some of the key challenges identified. They emphasized the importance of being financially savvy, with a strong understanding of the risks and rewards that come with entrepreneurship.

The learners also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence, vision, and networking in building a successful business. They underscored the need for continuous professional development, recommending short courses and further studies as tools to stay informed and resilient in an ever-changing market.

Final Thoughts:

The learners' reflections demonstrate that while entrepreneurship comes with its challenges, starting early gives youth a head start in navigating the business world. With the right support from youth development institutions like Junior Achievement South Africa, the government's role in giving educational institutions access to schools, young entrepreneurs can break barriers, embrace opportunities, and build a thriving future for themselves and their communities.

The JA Company of the Year competition serves as a powerful platform for the next generation to explore entrepreneurship, spark innovation, and drive positive change in South Africa.