University Student Turns NSFAS Delay Into Business Opportunity by Selling Pap Scones. When NSFAS delays threatened to leave many South African students stranded without financial support, one clever university student decided to take matters into his own hands—literally. By turning a traditional South African staple, pap, into delicious scones, he not only ensured his own survival on campus but also inspired a wave of admiration for his entrepreneurial spirit.
Innovation Born from Financial Hardship
In South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in funding tertiary education for thousands of students. However, delays in disbursement can leave young people vulnerable and struggling to make ends meet.
One such student, identified on TikTok as @kgahlego_chiloane, decided he wasn’t going to sit and wait. Instead, he found a creative hustle by turning his kitchen experiments into a business. He began baking pap scones, a unique twist on a local favourite, using maize meal as the core ingredient.
“NSFAS is delaying… I decided to sell porridge scones,” he captioned his now-viral TikTok video, showcasing his innovation.
South African Twist on a Classic Treat
Pap, a traditional maize meal porridge, is a staple in many South African homes. Turning it into a scone may seem unusual, but that’s what makes it such a brilliantly unique idea. The pap scones are not only affordable for fellow students but also resonate with local flavours and culture.
Here’s a simple representation of what the young entrepreneur might be offering:
| Product Name | Main Ingredient | Price Range | Ideal Pairing | Customer Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pap Scones | Maize Meal (Pap) | R5 – R10 | Tea or Tomato Gravy | Affordable, Cultural, Filling |
His fellow students quickly became his first loyal customers, drawn by the innovation and the affordability of the scones. Many have praised him for thinking outside the box and using what he had at his disposal.
South Africa Shows Support
The video quickly gained traction on TikTok, where South Africans took to the comment section with a mixture of laughter, support, and admiration. While some found humour in the idea, others saw it as a powerful symbol of youth entrepreneurship.
Here are some standout reactions:
- Noluu best girl: “This is great, you managed to think out of the box, and people love them. Congratulations, you are now a business brand.”
- Theodora Mabunga: “Well done, no excuses, you made it work.”
- Motso256: “This is a great entrepreneurship skill. May God protect and bless your hustle.”
- Phiwe: “But maize meal has been through a lot this year, and it’s only been five months.”
- Tully: “Good idea, and onion and tomato gravy.”
Each comment reflects how South African youth are not only resilient but also ready to celebrate and support each other’s success stories.
From Pap to Profit: A Lesson in Resilience
The NSFAS delay was the spark, but this student’s initiative and creativity were the fire. Rather than succumb to frustration, he channeled his energy into a micro-business that is now feeding fellow students and making headlines.
This isn’t just a feel-good story, it’s a lesson. With limited resources and a dash of imagination, one can not only survive financial hardship but also thrive by creating something that connects with people.
South African Youth Redefining Hustle
This young man’s story echoes that of many South African women in business as well. Recently, Naledi Dikotla from Johannesburg made waves on TikTok after launching her own toilet paper business, while another young law graduate from Bloemfontein went viral for running her sweets-selling side hustle through the night.
These inspiring examples all underline one thing: South Africa’s youth are not waiting for opportunities—they’re creating them.
Role of Social Media in Student Entrepreneurship
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become powerful tools for young South African entrepreneurs. With just a short video, students can showcase their work, find customers, receive feedback, and even go viral.
@kgahlego_chiloane‘s journey from a hungry student to a student entrepreneur is a perfect case study in how digital platforms can amplify a local hustle into a national inspiration.
New Breed of Entrepreneurs on Campus
This trend marks the rise of a new generation of business-minded students. While older generations relied solely on bursaries and part-time jobs, today’s students are digitally savvy, culturally rooted, and financially resourceful.
They’re proving that a small idea, like turning pap into a business, can resonate deeply when executed with passion.
Why Pap Scones Matter
- Affordable: Made from maize meal, an ingredient already present in most student kitchens.
- Cultural: Reflects South African identity and heritage.
- Accessible: Doesn’t require expensive equipment or fancy ingredients.
- Scalable: Can easily be expanded into larger markets or even turned into a food brand.
Conclusion
This story is not just about a snack—it’s about grit, innovation, and the will to succeed even when the system falters. As NSFAS delays continue to frustrate many, students like @kgahlego_chiloane remind us that resilience, creativity, and local flavour can open doors.
