The Metropolitan Collective Shapers (MCS) programme has marked a significant milestone with its national launch, ushering in a new era of support for young entrepreneurs across South Africa. Now in its fourth season, MCS has expanded its reach beyond its initial footprint, bringing its comprehensive support system to aspiring business leaders nationwide.
The launch, held on September 26 at The Venue in Melrose Boulevard, Johannesburg, was a resounding success, bringing together young innovators, business leaders, and industry experts to celebrate the programme’s national expansion and reaffirm its mission to empower young entrepreneurs.
Since its inception in 2021, the youth entrepreneurship acceleration programme run by Metropolitan (part of Momentum Metropolitan Group) has nurtured young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary tools, skills, and networks to grow their businesses.
This season, the groundbreaking initiative is tackling youth unemployment through entrepreneurship in agriculture and logistics. Metropolitan CEO Peter Tshiguvho highlighted the initiative’s focus on these sectors, citing the critical need to address South Africa’s high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. “South Africa seats with so many problems, including a staggering unemployment rate of 33.2% and a youth unemployment rate of around 45.5%,” Tshiguvho explained. “We recognised the need for an initiative that equips young people to start their own businesses, generate income, and potentially employ others.”
Tshiguvho emphasised the importance of creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, saying, “We know the government has a crucial role in creating an environment that fosters growth and expansion. In this context, we’re working together to make a meaningful impact on youth in the entrepreneurial space, contributing towards the country’s solution.”
Entrepreneurship expert Chimene Chetty added that young people require more than just ideas, they need tangible resources, supportive networks, and an environment that allows them to thrive. With its comprehensive support system and focus on high-growth sectors, MCS is poised to empower the next generation of business leaders, driving economic growth and making a lasting impact on the lives of many young entrepreneurs in the country.
