Building South Africa’s Next Generation. South Africa’s future economic growth depends heavily on empowering young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to become successful entrepreneurs. Recognising this need, False Bay TVET College is strengthening its focus on entrepreneurship development and encouraging businesses, industry partners and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes to support young entrepreneurs.
The College believes that strong partnerships between education institutions and the private sector can help students transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses while contributing to job creation and economic development.
False Bay TVET College Strengthens Entrepreneurship Focus
False Bay TVET College has established itself as an institution that not only provides technical and vocational education but also encourages students to explore entrepreneurship as a career pathway.
The College is now inviting companies, industry leaders, foundations and CSI programmes to become part of its entrepreneurship development mission. These partnerships can give students access to mentorship, funding, industry knowledge, technology and real-world business opportunities.
A major development for the College is the appointment of Ms Nafeesa Dinie to the National Entrepreneurship Strategy (NES) Forum. She was invited by the Director-General of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) to serve on the Improving Entrepreneurship Education and Skills Development Subcommittee.
Her involvement provides False Bay TVET College with an opportunity to contribute to national discussions around entrepreneurship education and skills development.
Strong Performance in the 2026 Allan Gray Competition
The College’s entrepreneurship efforts have also produced impressive results in national and regional competitions.
At the Allan Gray Inspire Entrepreneurship Inter-College Competition 2026 Regional Finals, held in Upington, False Bay TVET College achieved both first and second place in the Tech Business category.
Lyle Boonzaaier secured first place, while Sethu Klaas achieved second place. Their success earned the College a place at the National Finals and highlighted the quality of entrepreneurial talent being developed among its students.
The achievement demonstrates how technical education combined with entrepreneurship support can encourage young people to develop innovative solutions and explore new business opportunities.
Success Stories That Inspire Young Entrepreneurs
False Bay TVET College’s recent achievements build on a growing history of successful student entrepreneurs.
One notable example is former student Rashaad Sambaba, who was named one of the winners of the 2025 Allan Gray Inspire National TVET Entrepreneurship Competition in the General Business category.
His entrepreneurial journey continued after the competition. He later won the City of Cape Town Youth Startup Business Competition and was also recognised as a Top 40 Under 40 nominee.
Rashaad’s progress demonstrates that entrepreneurship programmes can have a lasting impact beyond the classroom. With appropriate guidance, mentorship and opportunities, students can develop their ideas into businesses and continue growing after completing their studies.
Why Entrepreneurship Education Matters
Entrepreneurship education provides benefits that go beyond teaching students how to start a business.
Young people who participate in entrepreneurship programmes can develop important skills such as creativity, innovation, leadership, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving. These abilities can help them adapt to changing economic conditions and identify opportunities in different industries.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have an important role to play in this process. By combining practical technical skills with entrepreneurial knowledge, colleges can prepare students for more than traditional employment.
Graduates can become job seekers, job creators, innovators and business leaders, helping strengthen local communities and the broader economy.
According to Mrs Christiana Nel, Deputy Principal: Innovation and Development at False Bay TVET College, entrepreneurship is an important tool for addressing youth unemployment and supporting economic growth.
She highlighted the achievements of Nafeesa Dinie, Lyle Boonzaaier, Sethu Klaas and Rashaad Sambaba as examples of what young people can accomplish when they receive the right support, mentorship and opportunities.
Partnership Opportunities for Businesses
False Bay TVET College is looking for strategic partners that can help expand its entrepreneurship ecosystem. Businesses and organisations can contribute in several ways, including:
- Entrepreneurship training and mentorship
- Business incubation and enterprise development
- Seed funding and investment opportunities
- Innovation and technology programmes
- Business competitions and entrepreneurial showcases
- Industry exposure and market access
- Work-integrated learning opportunities
- Experiential learning placements
These partnerships can provide students with practical exposure while helping businesses identify emerging talent and innovative ideas.
Access to funding and markets is particularly important for young entrepreneurs who may have promising business ideas but lack the financial resources and professional networks required to develop them.
Creating Opportunities for South Africa’s Youth
Youth unemployment remains an important economic challenge in South Africa. Entrepreneurship can help address this challenge by encouraging young people to create their own opportunities while potentially generating employment for others.
Investing in entrepreneurship education can therefore have a wider impact. When students receive business knowledge, mentorship, funding opportunities and access to industry networks, they are better positioned to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.
False Bay TVET College aims to build an environment where young entrepreneurs can develop their skills, test innovative ideas and connect with people who can help their businesses grow.
How to Partner With False Bay TVET College
False Bay TVET College welcomes businesses, foundations, development agencies, industry partners and CSI programmes that are interested in youth development, innovation and enterprise growth.
By working together, education institutions and the private sector can help develop a stronger generation of South African entrepreneurs. These partnerships can support job creation, encourage innovation and contribute to more inclusive economic development.
Businesses interested in partnership opportunities can contact the False Bay TVET College Centre for Entrepreneurship/Rapid Incubator.
Contact: Mr. Thomas Mvumvu
Telephone: 021 201 1215
Conclusion
False Bay TVET College is demonstrating how entrepreneurship education can help young South Africans move from learning practical skills to creating businesses and employment opportunities. Its recent competition successes and growing partnerships show the potential of investing in young entrepreneurial talent.
With continued support from businesses, industry leaders and CSI programmes, the College aims to give more students the resources, mentorship and opportunities they need to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to South Africa’s economic future.
