Another Young Entrepreneurship Champion Crowned Thanks to ATKV Sponsorship

Lucas Maree’s song “Ek sou kon doen met ’n miljoen!” remains a dream for many, but thanks to young entrepreneur and self-made millionaire Albert van Wyk and the television programme Maak my ’n miljoenêr, several high school learners have, over the past few years, been well on their way to earning their first million.

In this programme – sponsored by the ATKV and broadcast on VIA (DStv channel 147) – Albert shares practical tips and strategies for achieving financial independence. He identifies promising high school entrepreneurs to mentor, helping them realise their financial goals. The top entrepreneurs’ abilities are tested, after which a top 20 is selected, and three winners are ultimately crowned at a gala event.

Angie Gallagher, senior sub-editor at the ATKV, served as this year’s ATKV guest judge during the “hot seat” sessions which formed part of Maak my ’n miljoenêr’s elimination rounds.

During the gala event on 14 October at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, where the top 20 were in attendance, the top 10 were announced and shared a bit more about themselves, after which the top three and overall winner were revealed. ATKV Resorts was the main sponsor of the 2025 gala event.

This year, third place went to Marike Theron from Hoërskool Merensky. The runner-up was Alexis van Staden from Goudveld High School, and Riaan du Toit from Hoërskool Overvaal walked away with the honours and the Maak my ’n miljoenêr floating trophy.

“What an incredible inspiration to see young people working hard and pursuing their dreams with such passion!” says Samantha Nel, distribution channel coordinator at ATKV Sake. She adds that the gala event was a wonderful experience, and that all the ATKV representatives found it deeply inspiring.

Albert became a self-made millionaire at the age of 22 and has since addressed and supported thousands of learners in achieving their dreams and goals.

He explains that the programme’s objectives are twofold: “Firstly, we aim to create awareness about entrepreneurship among our youth. It is possible to start your own business and create your own future,” he says.

He adds that entrepreneurship is not discussed or emphasised enough in schools or at home.

“With this programme, we identify young entrepreneurs in our schools and mentor them to potentially become millionaires. There are so many learners who just need a bit of guidance and direction.”

Together with the ATKV, Albert and his team visited 82 schools this year and addressed more than 93 000 learners. In 2022, the first year of the competition, they visited 16 schools and spoke to more than 13 000 learners. The winner of that series was Matthew Blauw from Hoërskool Oos-Moot.

In 2023 the team visited 40 schools and addressed more than 42 000 learners. The winner of the series was Shaniqua Steenkamp from Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen.

In 2024 the team visited 60 schools and spoke to more than 65 000 learners, with Jason Coulson from Hoërskool Die Anker taking the top prize.

Albert says he wishes there had been someone at school to give him the kind of guidance he now offers learners.

“There was no one like that for me. I had to learn lessons the hard way through experience. I now want to be the entrepreneur who guides and inspires young entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence.”

Albert says he is grateful for the ATKV’s support.

“Since the ATKV got involved, I’ve again realised how much the organisation cares for South Africa’s youth – not only through the youth projects they offer, but also through their contribution to the Maak my ’n miljoenêr project. It’s clear that the ATKV is passionate about our young people and truly wants to empower them.”

Samantha explains: “ATKV Resorts has been working with the Maak my ’n miljoenêr team for the past two years. This competition for high school learners gives them the opportunity to be mentored in business and to learn how to grow and make their enterprises flourish. Learners with a variety of businesses take part – from selling biltong and honey to running tuck shops at schools or offering pet-sitting services.

“The ATKV has always supported learners through various projects, but this project is particularly special to us, because our country’s economy needs more entrepreneurs – people who create jobs and strive for success. There is so much talent among the youth, and over the past few years, we’ve heard so many inspiring messages and stories from these young entrepreneurs.”

This year’s challenge rounds were held at various ATKV resorts across the country, where participants had the opportunity to test their creativity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial skills.

Samantha adds that ATKV Resorts also gives students the opportunity to work there during school holidays, allowing them to gain experience in dealing with people and learning practical workplace skills.

“When children take part in this programme, they don’t just gain business knowledge – they also learn how to build confidence when speaking in front of others, how to market themselves, and how to take responsibility for their own futures. They’re also encouraged to make a difference in their families and communities, which is one of the ATKV’s goals.

“ATKV Resorts was very privileged to be part of this process and to help give the learners exposure to the outside world. At the resorts, they took part in challenges that taught them to work hard, communicate effectively, and to sell. It was truly inspiring to see. At the gala evening, the learners had the opportunity to share their stories, and we were amazed to see how people persevere until they succeed, even in difficult circumstances, and that it really is possible to start a business with R0.”

·       Maak my ’n Miljoenêr is now available on DStv Catch Up. Watch highlights of the series on YouTube.