Article re-cap
- High school learners in the Cape Town region can apply for the 2026 iAccelerate SA entrepreneurship programme until the July 4 deadline.
- The iAccelerate SA programme is a four month initiative designed for Grade 9 to Grade 11 learners attending public schools.
- Participants in the programme work in teams to identify community challenges and develop solutions that can become viable business ideas.
- The programme provides mentorship from industry professionals covering market research, business development, and pitching.
High school learners in the Cape Town region are being encouraged to apply for the 2026 iAccelerate SA entrepreneurship programme before the July 4 deadline.
The four month programme is designed for Grade 9 to Grade 11 learners attending public schools. It focuses on developing leadership skills, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking through a structured journey.
Participants work in teams to identify community challenges and develop solutions that can become viable business ideas. The initiative provides mentorship from industry professionals and covers areas such as market research, business development and pitching.
Previous cohorts have included 44 learners selected from schools including Blouberg High School, Bothasig High School, Brackenfell High School and Grassy Park High School. Organisers reported that the programme has attracted more than 120 applications since opening in May.
Caleb Captain, an alumnus and co-founder of Anchor of Hope, said the programme helped him develop personally and professionally.
iAccelerate has taught me that solving challenging problems is what drives growth and success, and it showed me not to limit myself in what I want to achieve,
Captain added that the knowledge gained had a tremendous impact on his life.
The programme aims to equip young people with practical skills to address youth unemployment. Organisers stated the goal is to develop a generation of changemakers capable of contributing to an inclusive economy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the iAccelerate SA programme and who can apply?
iAccelerate SA is a four-month entrepreneurship programme for Grade 9 to Grade 11 learners at public schools in the Cape Town region. It develops leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking by having participants work in teams to identify community challenges and develop business solutions, with mentorship from industry professionals.
When is the deadline to apply for the 2026 iAccelerate SA programme?
The application deadline for the 2026 iAccelerate SA programme is July 4. The programme opened for applications in May and has already received more than 120 applications from high school learners across the region.
What skills and support do participants receive in the programme?
Participants receive mentorship from industry professionals and training in market research, business development and pitching. The programme focuses on developing practical skills to address youth unemployment and aims to equip young people to become changemakers contributing to an inclusive economy.
Which local schools have had learners participate in iAccelerate?
Previous cohorts have included learners from Blouberg High School, Bothasig High School, Brackenfell High School and Grassy Park High School. A total of 44 learners from these schools have participated in the programme.
How has the programme helped past participants like Caleb Captain?
Alumnus Caleb Captain, co-founder of Anchor of Hope, said the programme helped him develop personally and professionally. He noted that iAccelerate taught him that solving challenging problems drives growth and success, and showed him not to limit his aspirations.
Source: iol.co.za
