Empowering South African Students to Drive Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship
03 March 2025- As South Africa grapples with youth unemployment and the need for economic transformation, the launch of USSAVI 2025 marks a significant step in fostering entrepreneurship among university students. With over 700 students selected from 22 universities across the country, this initiative is set to equip the next generation of business leaders with the skills, mentorship, and resources necessary to build sustainable ventures.
USSAVI 2025, led by entrepreneurial education provider Mashauri, aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitment to addressing youth unemployment through skills development and innovation. In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need to “equip young South Africans with the tools to create their own opportunities in an economy that must transition towards job creation, self-sufficiency, and digital transformation.” USSAVI directly supports this national priority by providing students with practical, hands-on experience in launching their own businesses.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the latest employment statistics, which show that youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with more than 40% of young South Africans struggling to find work. Traditional education, while valuable, often lacks direct pathways to economic participation. USSAVI 2025 seeks to bridge this gap by integrating entrepreneurial education with real-world business development, empowering students to create their own economic opportunities rather than relying solely on traditional employment.
“USSAVI is not just about teaching students how to start businesses—it’s about enabling them to build enterprises that contribute to South Africa’s economic resilience and job creation,” said Simon Gifford, CEO of Mashauri. “The programme fosters a mindset shift, equipping students with the confidence and skills to become active participants in the economy.”
Participants in USSAVI 2025 will receive guidance from experienced mentors, including successful South African entrepreneurs and business leaders from the United States. This international collaboration ensures students gain diverse insights and strategies to navigate both local and global business landscapes.
Dr. Kyle Farmbry, former President of Guilford College and one of the programmes’s founding visionaries, highlighted the significance of USSAVI’s expansion. “South Africa has a wealth of untapped potential among its youth. Providing students with structured entrepreneurial training and mentorship gives them the ability to drive economic progress in their communities and beyond.”
A former participant, Nirmala Moodley, shared that the programme provided her with excellent tools and mentorship, enabling her to turn her business idea into a reality. She emphasised the invaluable support system that guided her through the process. Similarly, Nthabeleng Shepho highlighted how the programme sparked her entrepreneurial interest, giving her the confidence to lead a team and execute her business vision effectively. These testimonials reflect the tangible impact USSAVI has had in equipping young South Africans with the skills to drive economic progress.
As South Africa looks toward long-term economic recovery, initiatives like USSAVI 2025 play a crucial role in fostering self-reliance and innovation. Organisations and individuals interested in supporting this impactful programme are encouraged to explore partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to ensure its continued growth.
By equipping students with the tools to innovate and build their own businesses, USSAVI 2025 is not just a programme—it’s a movement toward a more self-sufficient and economically empowered South Africa.