LULO RUBUSHE, 23

BEING named one of Forbes Africa’s 2017 30 under 30s to look out for confirmed what Lulo Rubushe had known since his teens: he was an entrepreneur at heart.

Four years ago, at the age of 19, Cape Town-born Rubushe and his partners began a business that would create a platform for his passion, while also creating a livelihood for other young people.

RNDM streetwear and The RNDM Network came out of the realisation that a university degree did not guarantee a job or income.

The business began as a clothing company and has evolved into a lifestyle, innovations and media company which develops brand concepts, organises events and encourages youth to express their creativity and style through music and fashion.

Last year, Rubushe was nominated for the Youth Influencer Awards.

He hopes for a South Africa that can create job opportunities for its youth.

He believes the country’s economy would improve if the education system inculcated entrepreneurship and supported entrepreneurial initiatives.

“I have guest-lectured at the University of the Western Cape where I taught students about entrepreneurship and gave them insights from my perspective,” he said.

“In my entrepreneurial venture with Enhanced Sports, we’re planning to provide skills and resources to underprivileged schools with the aid of government.”

He says the significance of Youth Day lies in the ability and freedom to chase his dreams. “I commemorate and remember the youth of ‘76 who fought for our rights and died for our freedom. Even though we face many socioeconomic issues, I believe it’s the responsibility of the youth of today to make a change for tomorrow’s generation.”