The VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy recently hosted its fourth annual Market Day at the Langa Sports Grounds, where 40 Grade 7 learners showcased their entrepreneurial skills and creativity.
Over the past six months, the learners developed small businesses ranging from food stalls to original artwork and carnival games. With mentorship, marketing guidance and financial literacy workshops from Capitec Bank, as well as product sponsorship from Shoprite, the children were able to apply classroom lessons in real-world business settings.
The event also featured a spirited under-13 rugby derby between VUSA and Western Province Prep School (WPPS), drawing families, schools and community partners together to celebrate the achievements of the young entrepreneurs.
Programme Manager Lebo Mokoena said the Market Day was designed to empower learners as they prepare to enter high school. “It can be really scary once you get to Grade 7 and you are approaching what you perceive to be adulthood. Market Day becomes a great vehicle for us to show children the practical uses of the things we have taught them over the years — maths, English, coding, teamwork, stress management, public speaking — while also connecting them with community members who have started their own small businesses. Through the mentorship and partnership with Shoprite and Capitec Bank, the children are able to expand their ideas of what is possible, and to see that each and every one of them has a particular skill or talent that can allow them to succeed.”
Jean Rossouw, Head of CSI and Financial Education at Capitec Bank, praised the learners’ enthusiasm and academic progress. “The children this year were incredibly engaged, and we were really impressed by their command of English — it shows that VUSA’s academics are working beautifully. Our team was able to add a few extra layers of mentorship, marketing, and financial education, and seeing them transfer these skills to young boys and girls was phenomenal. Working alongside VUSA is both a privilege and an honour. The foundation has been laid, and we are proud to support the next steps in the learners’ journeys,” he said.
Parents also shared their pride in the initiative. Fezeka Stuurman, a WPPS parent, said: “This initiative is so necessary. Teaching entrepreneurial skills to children in disadvantaged communities at such a young age is the way to go. The learners really know their businesses — from their products to their pricing. I was especially impressed by the young ladies behind Pandas Fast Food, who were selling bacon and cheese rolls. They were open to feedback from my husband, who is a chef, and welcomed his input. That openness shows real maturity and eagerness to grow.”
Fellow WPPS parent Gus van der Spek added: “This is my fourth Market Day, and every time it’s a great day out. It’s wonderful to see the VUSA initiative in action and to celebrate what it stands for — keeping children off the streets, giving them direction and hope. For the learners, this becomes a normal and positive part of their lives, where they can play, engage, and learn. It also gives us, as parents, insight into their world and fosters cross-boundary understanding and empathy in South Africa.”
Market Day has become a signature event for the VUSA Academy, providing young people with a platform to build confidence, apply their education in practical ways, and strengthen connections between schools and communities.
