In a time when entrepreneurship is being championed as a solution to South Africa’s high unemployment rate, too many programmes still treat financial support as the sole lever for entrepreneurial success.
However, Metropolitan’s Collective Shapers programme is challenging that narrative by integrating mental health, mindset coaching and financial literacy to holistically support young entrepreneurs.
“The Metropolitan Collective Shapers (MCS) programme is not just one that provides financial assistance but provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurship,” says Phumla Mavundla, Head of Marketing at Metropolitan.
The programme, which aims to shape youth passion into sustainable impact, addresses a crucial but often overlooked element of entrepreneurship: mental health Data from UNICEF South Africa revealed that 60% of the country’s youth require mental health support. Despite this alarming figure, mental health remains a blind spot in most entrepreneurship development programmes.
Entrepreneurs often face immense pressure, from financial strain to social expectations. When unaddressed, this stress can result in anxiety, burnout and business failure. “Supporting the mind behind the mission is not just good ethics, it’s good business,” said Mavundla. “That’s why Metropolitan deliberately includes mental health support as a key pillar of our MCS programme.”
Psychologist Dr Tshepiso Matentjie notes that young entrepreneurs tend to overthink failures, spending more energy on what went wrong than on recovery and growth. Without tools to build mental-awareness – the ability to observe one’s own thinking and respond with intentionality – many promising entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in cycles of self-doubt and fear.
She further explains that integrating mental health support into entrepreneur programmes isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. By proactively addressing mental health through coaching, peer support, workshops and access to resources, programmes empower our youth to build sustainable businesses and healthier personal lives.
Moreover, normalising mental health conversations within these programmes helps to dismantle the toxic myth that struggle must be hidden or endured alone. It builds a culture of authenticity, resilience and collective strength, traits that ultimately enhance business outcomes and personal fulfilment.
Unlike other initiatives that focus on quick wins like pitch competitions and once-off mentorship, Metropolitan’s approach is long-term, integrated and youth-centric. This is critical in a country where the unemployment rate stands at 31.9%. And where many young people are turning to entrepreneurship as a necessity rather than a choice.
“Too many programmes assume that if we give entrepreneurs capital, they’ll thrive,” said Mavundla. “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.
“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.”
