In a country where youth unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, three young entrepreneurs are transforming their communities and making a difference.

Fundisiwe Mbele’s journey into entrepreneurship was born out of necessity.  When she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned her hair styling skills into a thriving business. She started Durban Kids’ Salon, a mobile salon that brings hair styling directly to children’s homes in and around Durban.

Her mission is clear: to promote natural hair care and reduce the use of harsh chemical treatments. Fundisiwe’s mobile service not only saves parents time but also provides a calm experience for children. “I wanted to create an environment where children feel comforted and cared for,” she says.

Achuma Somkhence,  launched his business, Samgn Smoothies to offer healthy alternatives to fast food to residents in Umlazi, Durban. Achuma invested his savings into blenders and other equipment at the beginning of 2020, only to be hit by the lockdowns two months later.

Despite these setbacks, Achuma’s determination never wavered. He used word-of-mouth marketing and pop-up events to grow his business when the lockdowns eased. “Every experience moulds you into a better, stronger person,” he reflects.

Silindokuhle Mbatha’s passion for environmental sustainability led her to start Bantu Solutions, a food waste management company in Newcastle. Using the Bokashi method, Silindokuhle, 29, transforms food waste into valuable compost, preventing it from ending up in landfills.

“My first job was at a recycling plant and I was hooked. I saw the positive effect recycling had on the community and the environment, and I wanted to do something just as impactful. So, I started my business,” she said.

Silindokuhle faces logistical challenges every day: as the business grows, it is getting harder to collect food waste using public transport or rented vehicles. She hopes to buy her own vehicle one day.

For Fundisiwe, 35, transport is also a concern. She often has to travel to clients after hours and uses taxis or calls an Uber. This eats into her profits and she admits life would be much easier with her own van.

Fundisiwe credits her progress to the support she received from the FNB Youth Start-up Accelerator which gave her essential training in financial management, leadership, and marketing. Programs like these are crucial for young entrepreneurs, offering not just funding but also the mentorship and training needed to sustain and grow a business.

According to recent reports, 70-80% of small businesses fail within the first five years. This high failure rate is even more pronounced among youth entrepreneurs, primarily due to limited access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities​​.

“When I feel overwhelmed I speak to my business mentor who helps me organise my schedule and delegate,” said Silindokuhle. “My confidence has grown so much, I am able to deliver presentations and network with ease.”

“Having a mentor is something all business owners need; someone to walk alongside them, someone who can point them in the right direction. In addition, when you start a business, no one teaches you about finances. I learnt how to cost my products and manage my cash flow on a youth accelerator with FNB and Fetola. It was a gamechanger for me and taught me how to manage my money better. It made me a better businessman. Now I can focus on other aspects of my business,” said Achuma, 30.

Fundisiwe had this advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “If something doesn’t work, try something else. Become friends with discipline, consistency and hard work.”

“If you are keen to start your own business, understand that there is no such thing as an overnight success and you have to put in the work to reap the rewards. The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on your vision, and it will get you through the difficult times,” said Silindokuhle.

These three entrepreneurs all agree that businesses need more than just money to thrive; they need guidance, training, and a community that believes in their potential. Fundisiwe, Achuma, and Silindokuhle are not only building their businesses but also paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future as the employers of tomorrow.

This article first appeared in Isolezwe: Isolezwe 

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Fundisiwe, Achuma, and Silindokuhle are participants on the FNB Youth Start-up Accelerator, a partnership between Fetola and FNB providing a start-up pathway for the next generation of fearless leaders.