After nine months of dedication, learning, and hard work, the top ten young agri-entrepreneurs from the Metropolitan Collective Shapers Programme have crossed the finish line — ready to transform South Africa’s agricultural future.
Launched in 2021, the initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to grow their businesses, create jobs within their communities, build strong networks, and gain access to broader markets.
Speaking to The Star, Metropolitan CEO Peter Tshiguvho explained that the programme was born out of a vision to tackle youth unemployment. With the country facing alarmingly high joblessness among young people, Metropolitan conducted research to identify industries that resonate with youth and could drive meaningful economic contribution — agriculture stood out.
He further noted that the first phase of the programme kicked off in Limpopo, where it became clear that agriculture sparked significant interest among young people, regardless of whether they were employed or not.
“Our initial programme was agriculture in Limpopo, and we partnered with Agri-Enterprise and other companies to teach our first batch of graduates how to draft a business plan, how to run their finances, and job training.”
He explained that during the initial intake, graduates were given funding for their businesses without first assessing their specific needs. However, through trial and error, the team soon realised that this approach was ineffective.
"Now, we ask the graduates, along with someone who can assess their needs, what is required on the farm. We then provide the necessary tools or resources to help them truly advance their work, and we also inject R20,000 into their businesses," he said.
He added that his greatest satisfaction came from witnessing the first five graduates from Limpopo successfully supply their produce to major retailers like Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Checkers. For him, this was a clear indication that the programme was not only making a real impact but also empowering young entrepreneurs to grow and create jobs within their communities.
The programme has expanded from Limpopo to Gauteng and is now making its mark in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The Tshwane leg focused on the hospitality industry, with major companies once again collaborating to ensure the programme’s success. Similar to the first leg, this stage also provided essential learning tools to empower the graduates. The most recent leg in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) mirrored the Limpopo leg, shifting focus to agriculture.
Thabo Olivier, the Agri-Enterprise Future Farming Metropolitan Leadership, said that he started mentoring the graduates five years ago when the programme started, and he focused on teaching them about site visits and collaboration.
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"A site visit is crucial because it teaches them how to collaborate. For example, if someone needs crops, they can go directly to someone with them. This eliminates the middleman and ensures both parties are satisfied," he explained.
He added that the programme has evolved significantly over the past five years, shifting from a focus on theory and knowledge to a stronger emphasis on mentorship and ongoing monitoring.
Yolanda Maphalala, one of the KZN graduates and a kraal farmer specialising in soybeans, praised the programme for providing mentorship and skills that have helped her grow her business and enhance various aspects of her entrepreneurial journey.
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“A lot of entrepreneurs overlook the business and don’t understand that it can affect the flow of their business. I appreciate the programme and the knowledge I received from my fellow Shapers.”
She also shared that mental health played a significant role in her journey, especially after her business took a hit due to extreme weather conditions. "I struggled mentally, but I had to quickly shift my mindset and find healthier ways to cope and keep going."
“Last year, I was hit by a hailstorm, but luckily I did not lose everything, and this year I had drought, and after planting it rained too much,” she added.
Thabiso Mhlongo, a finalist from the Tshwane leg of the MCS programme, echoed similar sentiments, saying the initiative not only transformed how he runs his business but also taught him the importance of perseverance. “Business can change at any moment, and this programme helped me understand how to adapt and push through – those same lessons also shaped my journey,” he shared.
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To be eligible for the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must be permanent residents of South Africa, according to Tshiguvho. He added that preference is given to individuals who have already taken the initiative to start their agricultural businesses, as the programme aims to help scale existing ventures rather than initiate them from scratch.
The initiative calls on young South Africans, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities, to apply for funding if they run an agricultural business in KwaZulu-Natal that has been active for at least a year. Applicants must be fully dedicated to their venture, with the business serving as their main focus and full-time commitment.
The Star