TAKING a gap year is an idea worth considering by any young person emerging from more than 10 years of schooling.
Take the example of 20-year-old twins Pumzile and Pumla Wilbon of Berea in Johannesburg.
Only a year out of high school they are beginning to make their mark in business.
They are running a photography studio and casting agency, which was initially owned by their mother, who died in August.
"We decided not to go to school, because we wanted to pay our own school fees. We didn't want to depend on our parents for everything," they say.
Though the twins still needed to figure out what to study at tertiary level, the business remains a priority, with Pumzile looking into business administration and Pumla heading for a public relations qualification.
2010 Jules High School matriculants, the Wilbon sisters claim that Grade 12 was a breeze.
"Matric was fun. People say it's such a big thing, but it's actually just revision," the twins say.
Pumla admits that her main challenge will be adjusting from business to school.
"I won't be comfortable with the change. I'm used to the business," she says, while Pumzile seems willing.
"I read a lot - It won't be difficult for me because learning is something I enjoy. I've always been self-taught," she says.
One thing they both agree on is that education is a necessity. "We just want the certificates - we'll see how that goes, then decide if we get degrees.
"The business comes first. We haven't figured out a schedule yet but we'll make it work."
Having achieved popularity and success in 2011, the Wilbon sisters' photography studio and agency has earned big brand clients like MTN and SABC1's soapie Generations.
"The business is doing very well, we even have clients from overseas," say the Wilbons. Claiming that 2011 was their best learning experience, the sisters carry with them their parents' wisdom.
"Our parents say there is no teacher like life - practical learning is very valuable."
Aiming for a better 2012, they want to focus on empowering the youth.
"We are looking into hiring more people, especially the youth - focus on what they want and show them that it's (life) not about the glitz and glam," they say.
Taking a breather has been good for Pumzile and Pumla
TAKING a gap year is an idea worth considering by any young person emerging from more than 10 years of schooling.
Take the example of 20-year-old twins Pumzile and Pumla Wilbon of Berea in Johannesburg.
Only a year out of high school they are beginning to make their mark in business.
They are running a photography studio and casting agency, which was initially owned by their mother, who died in August.
"We decided not to go to school, because we wanted to pay our own school fees. We didn't want to depend on our parents for everything," they say.
Though the twins still needed to figure out what to study at tertiary level, the business remains a priority, with Pumzile looking into business administration and Pumla heading for a public relations qualification.
2010 Jules High School matriculants, the Wilbon sisters claim that Grade 12 was a breeze.
"Matric was fun. People say it's such a big thing, but it's actually just revision," the twins say.
Pumla admits that her main challenge will be adjusting from business to school.
"I won't be comfortable with the change. I'm used to the business," she says, while Pumzile seems willing.
"I read a lot - It won't be difficult for me because learning is something I enjoy. I've always been self-taught," she says.
One thing they both agree on is that education is a necessity. "We just want the certificates - we'll see how that goes, then decide if we get degrees.
"The business comes first. We haven't figured out a schedule yet but we'll make it work."
Having achieved popularity and success in 2011, the Wilbon sisters' photography studio and agency has earned big brand clients like MTN and SABC1's soapie Generations.
"The business is doing very well, we even have clients from overseas," say the Wilbons. Claiming that 2011 was their best learning experience, the sisters carry with them their parents' wisdom.
"Our parents say there is no teacher like life - practical learning is very valuable."
Aiming for a better 2012, they want to focus on empowering the youth.
"We are looking into hiring more people, especially the youth - focus on what they want and show them that it's (life) not about the glitz and glam," they say.
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