Woolworths showcases Youth Makers winners at Gateway
The young entrepreneurs receive funding, mentorship and the chance to sell their products in selected Woolworths stores.
WOOLWORTHS officially announced the 15 winners of its 2026 Youth Makers Competition, with the young entrepreneurs displaying their work at Gateway Theatre of Shopping last week.
The showcase formed part of a national programme celebrating creativity, innovation, and the potential of South Africa’s youth.
The competition drew 24 finalists from across the country, who presented their businesses to a judging panel at Woolworths’ Head Office in Cape Town. From that pool, 15 outstanding entrepreneurs were selected to receive mentorship, business guidance, and grant funding worth more than R130 000 to grow their ventures.
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Their products will also be featured in selected Woolworths flagship stores. The winners represent a diverse mix of youth‑led businesses in fashion, beauty, wellness, agriculture, publishing, design, and homeware. Among them are Balisiwe Sibisi, Patrick Ferguson, Buhle Ramalepa, Thembeka Dube, Phiwe Mareka, and Nthato Motlana, each bringing fresh ideas and entrepreneurial energy to the marketplace. Customers had the chance to meet the winners and explore their brands at Gateway, with further pop‑up showcases scheduled for Gauteng from August 1 to 2 and Cape Town from September 5 to 6.
A youth-owned agricultural business producing and packaging fresh vegetables for local markets.
The initiative forms part of Woolworths’ Inclusive Justice Initiative, which aims to support youth entrepreneurship and foster inclusive economic growth. Its timing is significant: South Africa’s unemployment rate stands at 32.7%, with youth unemployment at a staggering 45.8%, and more than 60% of those aged 15 to 24 unable to find work. Against this backdrop, Woolworths’ programme offers rare opportunities for young entrepreneurs to break into the economy and create livelihoods in a country where jobs are scarce.
A women’s wear brand creating romantic, timeless and trendy pieces focused on individuality and self-expression.
Speaking at the Durban showcase, Woolworths representatives said the programme is designed to give young entrepreneurs a platform to thrive. “We believe South Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth. By investing in their ideas, we are investing in a more inclusive and innovative economy,” the company noted.
The Youth Makers Competition has become a flagship project for Woolworths, offering not only financial support but also visibility and credibility for emerging businesses. In a nation grappling with high unemployment, the initiative provides a vital pathway to entrepreneurship, helping to transform creativity into sustainable livelihoods and proving that South Africa’s youth are ready to shape the future.
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