Beyond the Lecture Hall: Why 2025 Matriculants Should Consider Entrepreneurship in 2026

Congratulations to all matriculants and wish you all the best in your new journey. As the Class of 2025
weighs what comes next in 2026, the traditional path is clear: apply to a university or college, study full-
time, graduate, then look for a job. Yet in South Africa’s fast-changing economy, this route is no longer
the only — or even the safest — option. For many young people entering 2026, combining
entrepreneurship with further studies through correspondence or distance learning may be a smarter,
more resilient strategy.

Entrepreneurship and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are no longer just “Plan B” for
those who cannot find work. They are increasingly a deliberate career choice that allows young people
to create income, gain real-world skills, and build independence while still investing in their education.

Why Entrepreneurship Makes Sense for Matriculants
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. Even graduates struggle
to find work immediately after completing their studies. This reality means that waiting several years
before gaining practical experience can be risky.

Starting small as an entrepreneur gives matriculants a head start. Running a small business — whether it
is online services, tutoring, catering, farming, digital design, or reselling products — builds skills that
employers value: problem-solving, financial discipline, customer service, and resilience.

More importantly, it creates the possibility of income while studying, reducing financial pressure on families.
Entrepreneurship also allows young people to test their interests early. A learner interested in IT can
start fixing computers or building websites. Someone passionate about agriculture can begin small-scale
poultry or vegetable farming. These experiences often clarify career direction better than theory alone.

Studying While Building a Business
One of the biggest myths is that you must choose between studying and running a business. In reality,
distance learning and correspondence studies make it possible to do both.

Institutions offering online and part-time programmes allow students to study at their own pace, often
without the cost of accommodation and daily transport. This flexibility is ideal for young entrepreneurs
who need time to manage clients, stock, or production.

Courses in business management, marketing, accounting, IT, education, agriculture, and logistics can
directly support a growing SMME. What is learned in the virtual classroom can be applied immediately
in the business — turning education into a practical tool rather than abstract theory.

The key is discipline. Distance learning requires strong time management, goal setting, and self-
motivation. These are the same traits needed to succeed in business, meaning the two paths reinforce
each other.

Starting Small and Smart in 2026
For matriculants considering entrepreneurship, the advice is simple: start small, start legal, and start
learning.

Begin with a low-cost idea that solves a real problem in your community. This could be providing
services rather than selling products, as services often require less capital. Use digital platforms and
social media to reach customers affordably.

Registering a business, even at a basic level, teaches important lessons about compliance and
professionalism. Keeping simple financial records from day one builds habits that many businesses only
learn after costly mistakes.

Equally important is seeking support. Government agencies, local business hubs, NGOs, and private
programmes offer training, mentorship, and sometimes funding for young entrepreneurs. Learning from
others’ experiences can save time and money.

Managing Risks and Expectations
Entrepreneurship is not easy, and it is not a guaranteed path to quick wealth. Matriculants must be
realistic. Some months will be slow, mistakes will happen, and balancing studies with business can be
demanding.

This is why combining entrepreneurship with education is powerful. Studies provide a safety net and
long-term growth, while the business builds experience and income potential. If the business thrives, it
can be scaled. If it struggles, the skills gained and the qualification being pursued still open doors.
Families and communities also have a role to play. Supporting young people who choose this hybrid
path — rather than insisting on a single “traditional” route — can make the difference between success
and frustration.

A New Definition of Success
For the Class of 2025, success in 2026 does not have to mean sitting in a lecture hall full-time or waiting
years for employment. It can mean learning while earning, studying while building, and turning ideas
into action.

Entrepreneurship, combined with distance learning, offers a practical response to today’s economic
realities. It empowers young people to take control of their future, develop relevant skills, and
contribute meaningfully to the economy.

As matriculants plan their next chapter, they should remember: education is still essential — but so is
experience. In 2026, the smartest path may be one that embraces both.
If you are interested in a Checklist and further advice on how to implement such strategies, do email me
at mashite@youstartup.co.za

Mr Mashiteletse Hlabirwa Tisane is the Founder of YouStartUp ( www.youstartup.co.za |
mashite@youstartup.co.za ), an SMME Advisory company. Business feature writer and Advisor for Mo
Media Newspaper now The Weekender. Do get it in touch for Business Advisory services