Mzwandile Mlotshwa
Image: Supplied
Facing persistently high youth unemployment in Cape Town, many young people are taking proactive steps rather than waiting for formal job opportunities.
They are forging their own avenues for economic survival through entrepreneurship, side hustles, and establishing small businesses.
Transforming adversity into promising prospects, these young entrepreneurs serve as a beacon, encouraging others to actively shape their own destinies.
Mzwandile Mlotshwa with his partners
Image: supplied
Mzwandile Mlotshwa, a 28-year-old from Khayelitsha, is the founder of Mzantsi Studios, which is a design and printing company. Refusing to wait for employment, he took the initiative to create his own job.
Mlotshwa explained that he founded his business because he recognised the power of creativity to shift perspectives and generate opportunities. He stated: “Growing up in Khayelitsha, I realised that fashion, design, and printing were more than just products—they were a way to tell stories.”
He needed a creative outlet, a way to express himself. Over time, he recognised that many other young creatives also lacked the necessary platforms, exposure, and opportunities.
Mlotshwa believes that becoming self-employed has instilled a greater sense of responsibility in his approach to life and business. He said: "The level of responsibility that comes with being a business owner... pushed me to mature and hold myself in high esteem."
He has also contributed to job creation over the years, frequently collaborating with freelancers on diverse projects. He added: “I have three long-term collaborators who are now my partners: Lisolethu Dube, Shorn Mhlontlo, and Okwethu Jinoyi.”
Mlotshwa acknowledged that feelings of hopelessness are "completely valid" for the unemployed, but stressed the importance of not letting that feeling "freeze" one's actions. He reminded the youth that daily problems are inevitable, but the inner strength to overcome them lies within each person.
Mlotshwa strongly affirmed the power of the individual to "rewrite their own story," citing his own small beginnings: "Do not wait for a massive investment, when I started my own business of selling chips at school, I had R50."
Mlotshwa stressed the importance of business education and mentorship to help young entrepreneurs to avoid costly mistakes and guide them. “While funding does help at times, it does not always guarantee long-term success,” he said.
Mlotshwa stated that his self-employment journey has boosted his confidence, contrasting it with the constant pressure and stress associated with being unemployed. He concluded by emphasising that he is prioritising his mental well-being alongside his pursuit of success.
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