Africa-Press – Eswatini. Siphiwo Simelane, a young changemaker from Hlathikhulu, is empowering Eswatini’s youth through his initiative, Entrepreneurs on the Run.
Launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, the program provides academic support, business skills, and mentorship, helping young people across the country to take charge of their futures.
Simelane’s journey began in Grade 3 at Bethany Primary School when he and his siblings were sent home because of unpaid school fees. “While others went to class, we stayed behind herding cattle,” he said. When welfare officers came to register needy students, their application was rejected. However, the school principal, Jabulane Dlamini, intervened, adding their names and they were accepted. Dlamini continued to support Simelane with the care of a father.
This act of kindness inspired Simelane to assist others facing similar challenges. After completing Form 5 during the COVID-19 lockdown, he joined online groups to support students with their studies and applications. Even before starting his studies at the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in 2021, he was mentoring fellow students. “As a student, I struggled with applications and scholarships. This experience also taught me the value of support and inspired me to guide others through the stressful process,” said Simelane.
Since it began, Entrepreneurs on the Run has helped over 5 000 students with university and scholarship applications. The organization operates primarily through Facebook and WhatsApp, offering career guidance, entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and personalized mentoring.
Despite facing challenges like limited finances and lack of formal registration, Simelane and his team remain resilient. They have learned from other youth groups, such as Youthlet, by participating in summits and knowledge sharing sessions. Simelane’s vision through Entrepreneurs on the Run aligns closely with Eswatini’s national strategies for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. His focus on academic support, business skills, and mentorship mirrors the objectives outlined in the Eswatini National Youth Policy 2020, which emphasizes providing young people with entrepreneurship and innovation education programs to enhance their employment prospects and personal development.
Looking ahead, Simelane aims to officially register the organization, establish partnerships with educational institutions, launch programs to help youth start sustainable businesses, and expand both physically and digitally.Siphiwo Simelane’s story demonstrates how a single act of belief can set a life changing path in motion. Through Entrepreneurs on the Run, he is now that believer for countless others, helping youth rewrite their stories with purpose and opportunity.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
