iAccelerate SA officially welcomed its second cohort for the 2026 program during an inspiring Open Day held on Friday in Portside, Cape Town. The event gathered 25 ambitious young entrepreneurs from schools across Cape Town who began a new stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Gabriella Hugh, a 9th-grade student and participant in the new iAccelerate SA 2026 cohort, shared her impression: 'Joining iAccelerate SA is a great opportunity to learn from others, develop teamwork skills, and gain knowledge that I can apply to my jewelry business. The Open Day was very fun, and I met so many wonderful people. I can't wait to return next week and continue this journey.'
This event marked an important milestone for the program, as iAccelerate SA has accepted two cohorts within one calendar year for the first time. This expansion reflects the growing demand for entrepreneurship education among South African youth and is part of the organization's long-term vision to create opportunities for more students in the future.
The iAccelerate SA 2026 Open Day brought together new students, alumni, mentors, facilitators, and parents. The program, designed for driven high school students, runs for four months and provides participants with the necessary skills, mentorship, and practical experience to turn innovative ideas into sustainable solutions to real-world problems. The structured path covers ideology, innovation, business development, and leadership, enabling students to become confident agents of change in their communities.
The new cohort comprises a diverse group of students from various Cape Town schools, including COSAT, Rondebosch Boys' High School, Brackenfell High School, Malibu High School, Harry Gwala Secondary School, Robinvale High School, Usasazo High School, Buren High School, Zola Business High School, Sans Souci Girls' High School, and Glendale Secondary School, among others.
The Open Day allowed participants and their parents to gain a deeper understanding of the program and interact with other cohort members, alumni, facilitators, mentors, and the iAccelerate SA team. During the evening, students participated in interactive sessions aimed at encouraging collaboration, while parents attended an information session detailing the program structure, expectations, and support available throughout the four-month course.
The evening also introduced the facilitators for this year—Sibulelo Mafrika and Omololo Bello—as well as the mentors: Jorgine Hugh, Arthur Mexico, Sizeke Dianty, Raihan Surve, and Zayaan Jardien. They will guide participants in developing entrepreneurial thinking, strengthening leadership qualities, and bringing their ideas to life.
The iAccelerate SA team noted the enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination shown by the new cohort as they took their first steps in the program. Facilitator Sibulelo Mafrika addressed the new cohort with a simple message: 'Believe in yourselves and allow yourselves to dream big. You don't need to have all the answers right now. Come with an open mind, be ready to learn, ask questions, and make mistakes. I look forward to learning with you, challenging you, and watching you grow throughout the program. I look forward to seeing what ideas you bring to the room and the impact you will make.'
As iAccelerate SA continues to grow, the organization remains committed to unlocking potential for youth across South Africa by providing access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and valuable networks that enable them to turn ideas into lasting impact. With the start of another cohort, the program is ready to support these 25 young entrepreneurs over the coming months, helping them develop innovative solutions, build sustainable businesses, and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
