In a move aimed at bolstering youth entrepreneurship, youth empowerment initiative Metropolitan Collective Shapers (MCS) has launched its impactful programme in KwaZulu-Natal as it continues to equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources.

Through the programme, which was established in 2021, youth are taught how to scale their businesses, generate employment within their communities and enhance market access.

Following successful implementations in Polokwane and Tshwane, the KwaZulu-Natal instalment is specifically tailored to address the distinctive needs of the region’s dynamic agricultural sector, says product and channel marketing head Phumla Mavundla.

Considering that agriculture remains a vital component of KwaZulu-Natal’s economy, offering immense potential for solving for youth unemployment, she stresses that young entrepreneurs in this sector often encounter significant barriers, including limited access to resources, training and market opportunities.

Therefore, MCS aims to dismantle these obstacles by providing a comprehensive support system for these aspiring business leaders.

“MCS’ philosophy is built around a ‘hand up, not a handout’ approach, fostering self- sufficiency that allows the shapers to plough back into their communities while being supported by experts,” Mavundla explains, adding that, given the high rate of youth unemployment, the initiative seeks to leverage the province’s rich resources and young talent to spur economic growth and build sustainable and resilient communities.

Beyond its insurance products, Metropolitan is committed to making a tangible impact in communities across South Africa. As part of this programme, a virtual masterclass will be hosted, accessible to youth entrepreneurs nationwide, further extending the initiative’s reach and impact.

Programme Details

Participants in the MCS programme will benefit from bespoke training modules that encompass both soft skills and specific sector needs tailored to KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural landscape.

They will receive continuous guidance from experienced business mentors, who will provide vital support throughout the programme. Additionally, top-performing businesses will receive cash injections, offering crucial financial support to help scale their operations.

Market access opportunities will also be facilitated, connecting participants to essential networks that drive business growth and sustainability.

“We have taken key learnings from Polokwane and Tshwane to improve the programme for the KwaZulu-Natal leg. The focus will be on developing the critical soft and technical skills needed for budding entrepreneurs,” Mavundla says as she elaborates on the programme’s comprehensive support structure.

She adds that partnering with business coaches and mentors helps entrepreneurs identify unique challenges and apply their knowledge to grow and scale their businesses.

“Our Polokwane shapers were able to create market access opportunities and diversify their produce in response to market demand or identify different income streams. Their growth not only shapes their lives but also shapes their communities by creating employment opportunities,” she tells Engineering News.

Application Process

To be eligible for the MCS programme, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and reside permanently in South Africa.

The programme targets youth-owned businesses that are 100% South African, prioritising historically disadvantaged individuals, including those living with disabilities.

Businesses must have been operational for at least 12 months within KwaZulu-Natal’s formal or informal agriculture sector, with the director fully dedicated to the business. Crucially, the business should serve as the main venture for the applicant, rather than a part-time endeavour.

“I believe access to formal markets, such as supplying to food retailers, is a challenge for young entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector. The ability to present one’s business plan to potential investors is a barrier we aim to overcome through the programme,” Mavundla emphasises.

She notes that, as cash injections are limited, capacitating participants is “crucial for them to approach investors confidently”.

Outlook

The MCS programme has already demonstrated significant success in Polokwane and Tshwane, aiding young entrepreneurs in farming and the food and hospitality industries.

Davhuha Farming Enterprises founder Benjamin Nkanyane, who participated in 2021, shares that MCS reignited his passion for farming.

“I have learned to think strategically about expanding my business, which now operates on a 3-ha farm, produces over 45 000 heads of vegetables, employs 15 farm workers, and supplies a school feeding scheme,” he said in a June release.

Continuing its commitment to support youth entrepreneurship, MCS has also partnered with experts in entrepreneurship and agriculture.

This year, it also continues its collaboration with transport company Uber to provide disadvantaged young job seekers with Uber vouchers, ensuring they can attend job interviews and access employment opportunities.

Applications for the programme closed at the end of July, with the official programme starting in August and running until December 31, 2024.