Building a legacy: why SA’s youth-led businesses need support to thrive

South Africa’s youth face one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, but instead of waiting for the right opportunities to arise, some are creating their own.

Yanga Giyose

For Yanga Giyose, the reward lies not only in building a successful law firm from the ground up, but in inspiring others to do the same.

Born in the small quiet town of Cofimvaba in Eastern Cape, Giyose’s story began like many others driven by bold ambition and limited resources. After completing his LLB at the University of Johannesburg, he faced the all-too-common struggle of securing articles. It took perseverance and multiple rejections before he could gain practical experience and eventually qualify as an attorney.

The turning point came in 2017, when he registered his own firm, Giyose Incorporated Attorneys, following the closure of a previous partnership. The decision to go it alone was driven by a desire to reclaim control of his career and redefine what it meant to practise law. “I envisioned building a boutique firm with our own offices and a strong team, but more than that, I wanted to be in charge of how I worked, how I practised law, and to create an environment where legal work could be meaningful, empowering and enjoyable again,” says Giyose. It was about setting his own standards, shaping his own path, and building a practice that reflected his values and vision.

But launching a business, particularly in the legal field, is not without its hurdles. Youth was not always an advantage – it meant little track record, few contacts, and plenty of scepticism from potential clients. “There was no trust at the beginning,” Giyose explains. “We didn’t have access to funding or to high-value clients”. One meeting that stood out was with a prominent entrepreneur who asked whether we had ever dealt with listed companies. We hadn’t, and that was the end of the conversation.”

It was only in 2018, a full year after launching the firm, that Giyose secured his first medium-sized client. That relationship has continued to this day, serving as a foundation for the firm’s growth. Today, Giyose Incorporated Attorneys is an established player in the legal space and a proud example of what can be achieved with determination, clarity of vision, and the right support.

One of the key collaborators in the firm’s growth journey has been Business Partners Limited, which enrolled Giyose Inc on its supplier development programme and provided mentorship and support. “Business Partners Limited were instrumental in fast-tracking our growth,” says Giyose. “We received support in areas like financial management, compliance, and strategic decision-making. This invaluable support and mentorship gave us the courage to take bigger strides, faster than we would have managed on our own.”

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says supporting young entrepreneurs like Giyose is central to the organisation’s mission. “South Africa’s young business owners have immense potential, but they often have limited access to the resources, networks and confidence to take their ideas forward. At Business Partners Limited, we see it as our responsibility to help close that gap and provide a launchpad for their growth,” says Morobe.

For Giyose, Youth Month is a stark reminder of the hidden opportunities that exist across the country, waiting for those bold enough to seize it. “In my community, we didn’t have career days or exposure to professional opportunities. Many schools still don’t have these initiatives, but today’s youth have endless access to information, and if they apply themselves, they can do far more than we ever imagined.”

He believes the key to success lies in having a clear goal, breaking it down into daily steps, and committing to the process with discipline and consistency. And now that his business is stable, he’s determined to give back. “Timing is everything. In the early days, survival came first. But now we’re finally in a position to help others. We’ve made a few key employments and also brought on an intern through Skills Panda, and we’re currently exploring opportunities to mentor and speak at youth-focused events.”

Giyose’s success reflects more than just personal determination; it highlights the importance of access to business development support and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. As South Africa grapples with complex economic challenges and youth unemployment, his journey is a compelling case for investing in youth-led enterprises that are ready to lead from the front.