If you, like many other ambitious young South Africans, have a dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur, sometimes all you need to get there is a sprinkle of inspiration and, of course, plenty of hard work.

Let’s start with the inspiration! Here’s a look at some other teen entrepreneurs who have ‘been there and done that’.

Omphile Sekwele and Didintle Nkambule

These two 16 year old girls have helped to find a workable solution to the crime problem in South Africa with their smart jewellery known as the Guardian Angel. Basically a panic button disguised as a pretty piece of jewellery, there’s no doubt that this little invention is going to save lives… and sell like hot cakes!

Fisokuhle Lushaba and Wendy Nkosi

If you have already started researching your options regarding tertiary education, you will know how overwhelming it can be! From choosing the right institution to getting a handle on obtaining the financial backing you’ll need, the entire process is complicated to say the least.

Fisokuhle Lushaba and Wendy Nkosi, winners of the 2017 National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, have helped to streamline the process with their Education Guide app. This enlightening app allows for easy comparison of universities, sponsorship, tuition, and majors… saving students hours of time and hassle!

Tony McPherson

At the young age of 15, Tony McPherson realised that there was a real gap in the market. He was aware that most of his peers, and himself included, were spending half their lives on social media. Why not make some money out of it?

From there, he started a small social media marketing business that was run and managed solely by teens. The business quickly grew and his efforts eventually landed him second place at the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year awards of the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of South Africa (SMESA) in 2018.

Feeling motivated to achieve similar success? Follow the success of other young entrepreneurs at our Awaken the Giant Grand Finale at the Southern Sun Cape Town on 20 October, 2018.

Be a part of your own success. Go get ’em!