Talking Classrooms

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, host Bulelani Marwanqana shines a light on a growing, often overlooked reality in South African schools: learners who hustle and run small businesses—not for trend or clout, but to support their families and survive.From selling snacks during break to braiding hair after school, many students are balancing academic expectations with the weighty responsibility of being breadwinners at home.This episode explores:The economic and social pressures pushing students into entrepreneurshipThe emotional toll and resilience behind the hustleWhy some teachers misunderstand or mislabel hustling learnersPractical ways educators and schools can support, not shame, student entrepreneursA call to shift our lens—from punishment to understanding, from discipline to dialogueWhether you're a teacher, learner, parent, policymaker—or someone who simply cares about education—this conversation will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to see the full story behind the uniform.Because sometimes, the smartest kid in the room is also the one making sandwiches before sunrise.Like what you hear? Don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review. Let’s keep Talking Classrooms alive—one conversation at a time.For voice Suggestions and Comments, WhatsApp: +27710667686

Show Notes

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, host Bulelani Marwanqana shines a light on a growing, often overlooked reality in South African schools: learners who hustle and run small businesses—not for trend or clout, but to support their families and survive.


From selling snacks during break to braiding hair after school, many students are balancing academic expectations with the weighty responsibility of being breadwinners at home.


This episode explores:


The economic and social pressures pushing students into entrepreneurship


The emotional toll and resilience behind the hustle


Why some teachers misunderstand or mislabel hustling learners


Practical ways educators and schools can support, not shame, student entrepreneurs


A call to shift our lens—from punishment to understanding, from discipline to dialogue


Whether you're a teacher, learner, parent, policymaker—or someone who simply cares about education—this conversation will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to see the full story behind the uniform.


Because sometimes, the smartest kid in the room is also the one making sandwiches before sunrise.


Like what you hear? Don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review. Let’s keep Talking Classrooms alive—one conversation at a time.



For voice Suggestions and Comments, WhatsApp: +27710667686

What is Talking Classrooms?

Talking Classrooms is a podcast dedicated to exploring the heart of education — the challenges, the opportunities, and the stories that shape learning inside and beyond the classroom. Hosted by Bulelani Marwanqana, the show dives into conversations with educators, learners, thought leaders, and community voices, reflecting on how teaching and learning can inspire growth, resilience, and transformation.

Each episode offers authentic discussions on topics like student wellbeing, emotional intelligence, academic struggles, faith in education, and innovative approaches to teaching. With honesty and reflection at its core, Talking Classrooms invites you to think deeply about the role of education in shaping both individuals and society.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, parent, or lifelong learner, this podcast will give you insights, encouragement, and a renewed vision of what it means to learn and lead.