How young South Africans can build networks that lead to real opportunities

South Africa has no shortage of ambitious young people with ideas worth backing. What many lack is not talent, but access – to information, guidance, role models, partnerships, funding and people who believe in their potential. That kind of access doesn’t come from luck. It grows from relationships and communities that stretch beyond what you can build alone.

Networking is often spoken about as something “nice to have” or something only extroverts enjoy. In reality, it is as important as skills or perseverance. Your network becomes your early-stage capital: the people who open doors, fine-tune your ideas, challenge your thinking and advocate for you in rooms you haven’t entered yet. A powerful network is often the difference between “good idea” and “real business.”

November is Entrepreneurship Month – here’s how students, graduates and early-stage entrepreneurs can build a network that grows opportunities, not follower count.

Know what a real network is

A strong network is a community of peers, mentors, collaborators, industry professionals and even competitors. It’s the person who sat behind you in class, the friend’s brother who works in your field, the lecturer still in touch with her corporate colleagues. Each connection brings experience, insight or perspective you don’t yet have. A good network helps you learn faster, solve problems more confidently and identify opportunities earlier. Think of it as a long-term community, not a list of contacts.

Don’t leave your campus network behind

Look around you: your first network is already in place. Classmates, project partners, lecturers, tutors and alumni can become future collaborators or sounding boards. Many successful partnerships started on campus – Google began as a university project between classmates Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford. Your school relationships shouldn’t fade when you graduate.

Here’s how to stay in touch:

- Connect on LinkedIn before you leave campus

- Send occasional updates and comments rather than waiting until you need help

- Attend alumni or departmental events

- Ask lecturers for introductions or guidance

Show up to learning spaces

Some of the most valuable opportunities are free. These include Youth Month or Entrepreneurship Month events, entrepreneurship programmes, webinars, pitch nights, hackathons and community workshops. Many exist to help young people access networks they would not otherwise reach. Try to attend at least one networking or learning session a month and participate by asking questions and chatting with people. Connect and follow up with the speakers and others you meet.

Build credibility online, not only visibility

Whether you’re using LinkedIn, Instagram or WhatsApp communities, social media and other online spaces can help you meet the right people faster, but you must go about it professionally and intentionally. To build credibility online, focus on showing what you know, how you think, what you’re creating and when you need help – and not just what you had for brunch. Share your progress, lessons learned, useful resources and real work. People trust what they can see, not what you claim.

Simple steps to make your online presence work for you:

- Keep your profile photo and bio clear and professional

- Post authentic updates about what you’re working on

- Share helpful resources, not just opinions

- Message people personally; don’t copy and paste

- Follow up and keep the connection going

You don’t need to be loud, but you do need to be interested

Networking is not about dominating a room – in fact, listening more than you speak will get you further. Listening well, asking thoughtful questions and introducing yourself simply can leave a stronger impression than trying to sound impressive. Even if you’re shy and introverted, people appreciate being asked about themselves and their work so be brave and start small: “Hi, I’m Bongi. I’m working on [this project]. I’d love your view on it.”

Find support networks that help you grow for real

No one builds a business alone. Mentors, peers and community programmes can fill gaps that money, confidence or experience haven’t yet covered. Look for platforms that offer guidance, learning, coaching and real-world exposure – these spaces help you grow faster and avoid lonely trial-and-error. Your future partners, collaborators and champions are already somewhere in those circles – go meet them.

Nkosinathi Mahlangu, youth employment and entrepreneurship specialist at Momentum Group Foundation