Stanger Enterprises MD on South Africa having a vast potential for growth

The Managing Director at Stanger Enterprises, Noah Stanger explains why instead of joining the queues of youngsters heading for the exit, he came back to South Africa from the United States and believe in SA and her future.

The executive acknowledges that the official jobless rate is just shy of 33%, and a staggering 62% of youth aged 15-24 are unemployed in South Africa. “With just under 8 million officially out of work, it seems the current generation of young people are being left with little hope. But if you dig beneath the numbers, you see that while many want to immigrate, SA is actually the most appealing destination for others from Africa. I count myself as one of them.” – he says.

“With millions of young individuals ready to contribute their skills, the future holds great promise – all we need is the opportunity as the energy and enthusiasm of the youth are boundless; we are digitally savvy and well educated in many areas thanks to the ease of access provided to knowledge by digital platforms.” – Stanger adds.

Noah notes that the African youth have shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of severe challenges throughout Covid-19 and will take these lessons on board as it charts a new course for the future filled with hope, optimism, and opportunity.

He mentions that he believes that his own experience is an example as he was fortunate to receive a bursary that allowed me to pursue my passion for soccer in the US. “I am grateful for the opportunities it presented. However, during my time away, I realised the immense potential and opportunities that South Africa has to offer.” – he says.

Stanger says he decided to cut his time short and recognised that he needed to be back in South Africa to further his business career as he saw the vast potential for growth and innovation and knew he could make a significant impact by taking advantage of the opportunities here.

“Returning to South Africa was a pivotal moment for me. It was a testament to my belief in the potential of this country and my determination to seize the opportunities that awaited me. While the occasional setbacks will continue to affect perceptions and be a hindrance for many, it is vital to recognise the unwavering spirit of the youth. We see opportunities where others may see obstacles.” – he says.

Stanger stresses that the  desire for change is palpable, and the youth are actively seeking ways to overcome hurdles and create a better future for us and the communities. Many are highly entrepreneurial at heart and will use the current conditions to explore new ideas, innovate, take risks, and find new ways to create growth space. This can only be beneficial to the real economy.

He also mentions that the youth have embraced technology and digital platforms, harnessing their inherent knowledge and adaptability, thanks to the urgency brought on by Covid-19. The Fourth Industrial Revolution holds immense promise for Africa, and the youth are at the forefront of this transformative wave.

“So, rather than dwell on the challenges, it is time to embrace a proactive mindset. By taking control of our destinies, we can reshape the narrative and become the catalysts for change. SA needs to do more to reverse the brain drain, but I am not one for the blame game. 

The future is filled with endless possibilities for the youth of South Africa. With the right opportunities and a supportive environment, we can harness their potential and ensure a prosperous tomorrow.” – he adds.