Co-founders of Career-Connect Hub with facilitator Sibulelo Mafrika and iAccelerate SA founder Rayhaan Survé.
Image: Supplied
As South Africa marks Youth Day, high school learners in Cape Town are being encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity that could help shape their future careers and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Applications for the 2026 iAccelerate SA entrepreneurship programme close on July 4, with organisers urging eligible learners to submit their applications before the deadline.
The programme, aimed at Grade 9 to Grade 11 learners attending public schools in the Cape Town region, focuses on developing entrepreneurial thinking, leadership skills and innovation through a structured four-month journey.
The initiative comes at a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, with increasing emphasis being placed on equipping young people with practical skills that can help them create opportunities for themselves.
Participants in the programme work in teams to identify challenges affecting their communities and develop solutions that can be turned into viable business ideas.
Along the way, they receive mentorship and guidance from facilitators and industry professionals while gaining exposure to areas such as market research, business development, leadership and pitching.
Learners engage in a Q&A session with guest speaker Mzameli Mahiyi during the iAccelerate SA Programme.
Image: Supplied
Interest in the programme has been strong since applications opened in May, with organisers reporting enthusiasm from learners keen to gain hands-on business experience and learn how entrepreneurship can be used to drive social and economic change.
The programme has already produced several success stories from previous cohorts, attracting more than 120 applications and ultimately selecting 44 learners from schools across Cape Town, including Bothasig High School, Brackenfell High School, Blouberg High School and Grassy Park High School.
Among the programme’s former participants is Caleb Captain, an iAccelerate SA alumnus and co-founder of Anchor of Hope, who credits the initiative with helping him develop both personally and professionally.
“iAccelerate has taught me that solving challenging problems is what drives growth and success, and it showed me not to limit myself in what I want to achieve,” said Captain.
“The knowledge I've gained and the challenges I've faced have had a tremendous impact on my life, helping me discover my true worth and understand what I need to do to succeed in the future. This is not just a once-off programme for me, but a lifelong journey that I'm grateful to be part of.”
Youth Day serves as a reminder of the important role young South Africans continue to play in shaping the country’s future.
Programmes such as iAccelerate SA aim to nurture that potential by giving learners access to practical entrepreneurial experience and mentorship at an early age, helping them build confidence while encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Organisers say the goal is to develop a new generation of changemakers capable of creating solutions within their communities and contributing to a more inclusive economy.
Applications for the 2026 programme close on July 4, and eligible learners are encouraged to apply through the iAccelerate SA application portal at https://iaccelerate-sa.org/applications/i-accelerate before the deadline.
IOL