In today's fast-changing world, rapid technological advancements and shifting economic conditions have made traditional job opportunities harder to find. This reality calls for a shift in mindset—one that embraces entrepreneurship and innovative career paths (Tanga, 2020). In South Africa, where youth unemployment remains high (Stats SA, 2025), promoting entrepreneurship is not just an option but a necessity.
Recognizing this challenge, the South African government has introduced various initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship among young people. One such program is the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) initiative, which aims to create entrepreneurial universities that produce graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset. Another key intervention is the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development (NISED) Strategic Framework, which seeks to improve support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country (DSBD, 2022). This demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not merely a reaction to economic difficulties but a proactive way to create wealth, drive innovation, and contribute to societal progress (Tanga, 2020).
Entrepreneurship as Part of Career Planning
A strategic advantage of government-led entrepreneurship initiatives is that they do not force individuals to choose between employment and self-employment. Instead, they encourage the integration of entrepreneurial activities within the post-school education and training (PSET) sector. This means that students in higher education can explore entrepreneurship as part of their career journey, allowing them to develop skills in business creation while still pursuing formal education. This integrated approach fosters an entrepreneurial mindset by combining education, supportive ecosystems, and cultural shifts that encourage risk-taking and innovation.
The Role of Creativity and Innovation in Economic Growth
Creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are now widely recognized as key drivers of economic and social development. It is on this basis that entrepreneurship is also supported on a global scale. For instance, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is celebrated in over 200 countries to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide (DSBD, 2024). By fostering an entrepreneurial culture, South Africa can boost its economic performance while simultaneously advancing education and equipping young people with the skills needed to navigate an evolving job market. Through these initiatives, entrepreneurship is no longer just a fallback option—it is a powerful tool for addressing unemployment, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities for future generations.
References:
Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). 2024. Address By The Minister Of Small Business Development, Ms Stella-Ndabeni Abrahams (MP) at The Second National Msme And Co-Operatives Summit, Gallagher Estate, Midrand Johannesburg 21 – 22 November 2024. DSBD, South Africa.
Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). 2022. National Integrated Small Enterprise Development (NISED) Masterplan. DSBD, South Africa. Accessed from, Microsoft Word - NISED Masterplan_ Fact Sheet_Edit (2) (2022 May).docx
Stats SA. 2025. Statistical release: Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Quarter 2:2024). Statistics South Africa, Pretoria.
Tanga, A.T. 2020. Entrepreneurial Attitude of Street Youth: In the case of Jigjiga Town, Somalia Region, Ethiopia. European Journal of Business and Management, 12(7).17. Accessed from, Entrepreneurial Attitude of Street Youth: In Case of Jigjiga Town, Somali Region, Ethiopia | Tanga | European Journal of Business and Management
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Compiled by Dr Tebogo Tsebe
Senior Manager: Student Success
Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM)