Princess Mkabayi Mall was abuzz with creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit as 20 talented young entrepreneurs took part in the mall’s Freedom Futures Young Entrepreneurs Market.

Empowering the entrepreneurs of tomorrow

Created under the theme ‘Empowering the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow’, Freedom Futures gave young people the opportunity to take their ideas beyond the classroom and experience what it means to build, present and run a business.

From handmade products, art and innovative services to food, beverages, technology, agriculture and creative concepts, the market showcased an inspiring variety of businesses developed by young entrepreneurs from schools across the Vryheid community.

Throughout the day, the participants interacted with customers, promoted their businesses, presented their products and services, made sales and put their entrepreneurial skills into practice. The response from shoppers and stores was overwhelmingly positive, with the young entrepreneurs impressing visitors with their confidence, creativity and professionalism.

Each of the 20 participants received a R1 000 voucher, a goodie bag and a specially developed Entrepreneur Guide and Toolkit to help them continue developing their ideas beyond the market.

Participants recognised for their business skills

A panel of judges evaluated the entrepreneurs across several categories, including their business concepts, products and services, innovation, branding, sales ability, stall presentation and overall customer experience.

The 2026 category winners were:

• Best Business Idea: Zaba Fakude – Art by Me, Impumelelo Victory Primary School.
• Most Innovative Business: Sean Dera – Dera Ink, Vryheid Landbou High School.
• Best Product or Service: Corne Lotter – Fix It Up Guitars, Pionier High School.
• Best Stall Presentation: Muhammad Sahib – MTech Merchandising, Vryheid High School.
• Best Sales Pitch: Esethu Nkosi – Super Sparkle Lemonade, NRS.
• Best Branding: Ziyanda Ntshangase – Zizi’s Sweet Bites.
• Best Customer Experience: Elzé Nortjé – Little Garden Kits, Brainline.

Organiser encourages young people to start businesses

Event organiser Marusckha Scholtz, marketing manager at Princess Mkabayi Mall, expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make the initiative possible.

Scholtz stated that, “Such events introduce young people to entrepreneurship. They need to learn as early as possible that not all of them will be employed; some of them will need to create employment for themselves and many other people. They need to know that with any amount, they can start a business and make it work.”

She then sent out a special thank you to the parents and families who encouraged the young entrepreneurs, helped them prepare and supported their ideas from the beginning; the schools, teachers and fellow learners who rallied behind their young entrepreneurs; and the customers and members of the Vryheid community who arrived on the day, visited the stalls, purchased products and encouraged the participants.

Families, schools and community praised for support

“And most importantly, to all 20 young entrepreneurs, your creativity, courage and determination made Freedom Futures something truly special. We hope this experience has inspired you to continue learning, improving and believing in the potential of your ideas. Dream it, plan it, start it and grow it.”

Princess Mkabayi Mall extends its sincere appreciation to the judging panel – Sthe from Clicks, Elvira from Dis-Chem, Martin from Jwayelani and Melusi from Spur – for giving their time and expertise to encourage the participants and provide valuable feedback to the young entrepreneurs.

Grand prize announcement still to come

While the category winners have been revealed, one exciting announcement remains and will soon take place, where the handover of the grand prize will be awarded to one specific learner, as well as the school.

Scholtz concluded by sharing that, “Freedom Futures was about much more than winning. It was an opportunity for young people to learn by doing – to turn an idea into something real, speak to customers, manage products and sales, solve problems and discover what they are capable of.”

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.