Learners who took part in the Entrepreneurship Olympiad in Hammarsdale pitched business ideas designed to address community challenges.
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JOBS may be scarce, but in Hammarsdale high school learners are refusing to wait, pitching business ideas designed to solve real community problems and create their own opportunities.
The pitches formed part of the Entrepreneurship Olympiad Demo Day, the culmination of a months-long programme involving nearly 300 learners from 11 Quintile 1–3 public schools, aimed at shifting mindsets from job seeking to job creation.
Participants, ranging from Grade 9 to 11, engaged in weekly sessions, primarily in isiZulu, to develop business concepts through ideation, market research, and business modelling, ultimately narrowing to a Top 10.
“The Entrepreneurship Olympiad is helping learners see opportunities where others see problems,” said Pain Mashingaidze, Mr Price Foundation Education Programme Manager. “We are equipping them with real-world skills, including research, costing, and pitch preparation, that allow them to create their own pathways to employment and community development, rather than waiting for opportunities to find them.”
The finalists’ proposals reflected a focus on community-first solutions. They ranged from Abongile Youth Centre, providing academic support, job readiness, and HIV counselling, to Bright Future Tutoring & Feeding, which pairs tutoring with nutritious meals. Other initiatives included Help Global Ventures, assisting local small businesses to formalise and grow, and ProNet Café, offering digital access and CV support for community members.
Several projects targeted essential services and logistics. Double L Prints provides affordable local printing; Masibumbane Laundry offers mobile laundry services; Masisizane Market delivers fresh produce to households and crèches; and VibeSpot combines a restaurant with plans to become a community wellness hub and pharmacy. STRIVE (Beyond Expectations) promotes youth confidence and ambition through a Kasi-inspired streetwear brand.
“We didn’t even take Business Studies at school, so we were hesitant to join at first,” said Nomcebo Shange, co-founder of VibeSpot. “But as we moved through the stages, we realised this was a door opening to a different future. Winning gives us a real shot at becoming entrepreneurs.”
Teachers also noted the programme’s impact on learners’ confidence and personal growth. Asanda Shange, of Intakemazolo Technical School, said the mentoring provided by the Foundation was “the secret sauce” helping learners reach this level of excellence.
The initiative is part of the Mr Price Foundation’s broader vision to empower 500,000 youth with sustainable economic opportunities by 2035. A panel of judges, including Nonku Mthembu, Deputy Head of SMME Development at eThekwini Municipality, praised the learners’ creativity and called for further collaboration to replicate the programme in other communities.
“Today, these learners proved that innovation doesn't have an age limit,” Mthembu said. “We must nurture the tree while it is still a young shoot. We are here for it, and so proud to support this potential.”