How Metropolitan's Collective Shapers programme is redefining entrepreneurship for young South Africans

As South Africa faces a deepening youth unemployment crisis, entrepreneurship has become a beacon of possibility. But Metropolitan’s Collective Shapers (MCS) programme is proving that capital alone isn’t enough. By putting mindset, mental health, and financial literacy at the core, the programme is reshaping what it means to truly empower young entrepreneurs.

The MCS programme recognises that a healthy mind is just as vital as a solid business pitch. According to a report by UNICEF South Africa, 60% of young people are in need of mental health support. By placing mental wellness at the core of entrepreneurship, the initiative is breaking new ground, making a bold shift in a space where emotional resilience is too often overlooked.

Phumla Mavundla, Head of Marketing at Metropolitan, explains that the MCS programme goes beyond funding by adopting a holistic approach to nurturing young entrepreneurs.

“The MCS programme is not just one that provides financial assistance, but provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.”

She added that entrepreneurs frequently encounter significant pressures, from financial challenges to societal expectations, and when these stresses go unaddressed, they can lead to anxiety, burnout, and ultimately, business failure.

“Supporting the mind behind the mission is not just good ethics, it’s good business. That’s why Metropolitan deliberately includes mental health support as a key pillar of our MCS programme,” Mavundla added.

She reiterated that funding alone isn’t enough, entrepreneurs also need resilience, emotional support, clarity, and strong financial literacy to succeed.

“Too many programmes assume that if we give entrepreneurs capital, they’ll thrive. But no amount of funding can make up for burnout and poor financial decision-making under stress or isolation. Entrepreneurs need programmes that help them build resilience, emotional agility and long-term strategic clarity.

“The future of entrepreneurship depends not just on bright ideas, but on healthy, resilient minds capable of executing them. As part of MCS, we noticed the need for young entrepreneurs to get emotional and financial literacy support, as some of the tools to enable them to navigate through the challenges that come along their journey,” said Mavundla.

She added that the programme equips young entrepreneurs with mental health support, tailored training, networks, and seed funding for sustainable growth.

“Our bespoke programme offers young entrepreneurs accredited mental health support, sector-specific modular programmes, networking and market access opportunities, and a small cash injection into their business to support growth and long-term sustainability,” Mavundla said.

Psychologist Dr. Tshepiso Matentjie points out that young entrepreneurs often fixate on their failures, expending more energy on what went wrong than on bouncing back and growing. Without the tools to develop mental awareness, the ability to consciously manage their thoughts, many promising entrepreneurs get caught in persistent cycles of fear and self-doubt.

She stresses that mental health support must be a core part of entrepreneurship programmes, not just an add-on. Through coaching, peer networks, workshops, and resource access, these initiatives help young entrepreneurs build lasting businesses while maintaining their well-being.

The MCS underscores that while many programmes chase quick wins like pitch contests and one-off mentorship, Metropolitan is committed to a long-term, holistic, and youth-centred approach. This is vital in a country where unemployment soars at 31.9%, forcing countless young people to turn to entrepreneurship not out of choice, but out of necessity.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za