Stephen Grootes speaks to Taryn Hunter Sharman, co-founder and Managing Director of Faith & Fear, about being named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa and why entrepreneurship is a critical tool in tackling South Africa’s unemployment crisis.
Listen to the interview in the audio player below.Entrepreneurship can be one of South Africa’s most powerful tools for tackling unemployment, according to Taryn Hunter Sharman, whose business success has earned her the title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Hunter Sharman, the co-founder and Managing Director of Faith & Fear, says creating sustainable businesses is about far more than commercial success. For her, entrepreneurship is a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and meaningful job creation in a country grappling with persistently high unemployment.
She believes every successful small or medium-sized business has the potential to create opportunities that extend well beyond its own workforce, stimulating broader economic activity through suppliers, partnerships and skills development. That multiplier effect, she argues, makes entrepreneurs an essential part of South Africa’s long-term growth strategy.The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognises her leadership in building Faith & Fear into a respected business while demonstrating resilience, innovation and a commitment to empowering others. The accolade also highlights the growing role women entrepreneurs are playing in shaping South Africa’s business landscape.
Hunter Sharman has consistently advocated for an environment where entrepreneurs have easier access to funding, mentorship and practical business support. She believes reducing barriers to starting and growing businesses would unlock more employment opportunities and encourage innovation across multiple sectors of the economy.
Her message comes at a time when South Africa continues to search for sustainable solutions to stimulate inclusive economic growth. While government policies remain important, she argues that the private sector and entrepreneurial ecosystem have an equally significant role to play in expanding employment.
She hopes her recognition will inspire more South Africans to view entrepreneurship not only as a career path, but as a vehicle for solving some of the country’s biggest socioeconomic challenges.
Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Sharman says South Africans always dig deep to pursue and achieve their entrepreneurial goals. “…in the States, I think they say you fail five times before you actually succeed. South Africa doesn’t have that kind of stat to be honest, I don’t think we can afford to fail five times, and so we just push harder.” – Taryn Hunter Sharman, co-founder – Faith & Fear”…the faster you fail, the faster you learn.” – Taryn Hunter Sharman, co-founder – Faith & Fear”One of the things that South Africans really need to push at is, we are okay being mediocre. And so we need to do the consistent, consistently well. The ordinary, extraordinarily well, and I think that in itself places you in the top one percent of entrepreneurs in this country in whatever market you choose.”
– Taryn Hunter Sharman, co-founder – Faith & FearScroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.



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