Motherwell buzzed with entrepreneurial energy on Wednesday, 17 September, as Brand South Africa launched its PYP Ignite eKasi Entrepreneurs Programme in partnership with the Township Entrepreneurs Agency (TEA).
The dynamic full-day training equipped township-based micro and small enterprise owners with practical business skills, whilst the Eastern Cape Department of Tourism’s visible presence underscored the growing importance of township entrepreneurship to the regional economy.
Unlike conventional training sessions, the programme – dubbed the “Kasi MBA”- adopted a hands-on approach. Entrepreneurs engaged in practical exercises, networked extensively and departed with actionable strategies for immediate implementation in their businesses. Each participant received a copy of The Township Entrepreneurs Guide to Get Things Done, by Bulelani Balabala, alongside workbooks covering sales, personal growth and market access.
“We must take pride in South Africa’s stories and share them with the world; not only in one sector, but across every sphere of our society,” said Brand South Africa General Manager Sithembile Ntombela, who opened the event by highlighting the importance of reshaping global perceptions of South Africa.
The morning commenced with Marang Marekimane guiding attendees through the Business Model Canvas, a practical tool enabling entrepreneurs to map customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams. Participants were encouraged to treat the canvas as a living document, continuously refined as their businesses develop.
Marketing strategist Pat Mahlangu, founder of Pat on Brands and Lerato Agency, delivered an energetic presentation on branding power. He demonstrated how maintaining and building strong brands creates recognition and trust, citing Christian Dior as an example – despite many having never visited France, the brand remains instantly recognisable.
Mahlangu urged entrepreneurs to develop authentic stories, maintain consistency across platforms and present themselves boldly, referencing successful local brands including MaXhosa, Tshepo Jeans and Bathu.
Siyabulela Mandla, founder of 469 Enterprises PYP Ltd, followed with insights on bootstrapping business growth. He emphasised starting with available resources, developing standard operating procedures and maintaining strict financial discipline to maximise limited budgets – a message that resonated strongly with attendees operating under tight financial constraints.
Meanwhile, participant Winston Ledwaba – founder of Advanced Academy of Excellence – concluded the speaker lineup with a compelling personal narrative. After leaving university with only R100 remaining, he invested in a Facebook advertisement for tutoring services and built his enterprise using solely his smartphone.
Today, he generates six-figure revenues from mobile-based operations.
“Everything you need to start is already in your pocket,” Ledwaba told the audience, demonstrating the potential of mobile entrepreneurship.
Following lunch, participants completed and presented their Business Model Canvases. Fifteen entrepreneurs were selected to pitch their business concepts to a judging panel, competing for four cash prizes totalling R50,000.
The competition winners were:
• 1st Place: Lubabalo Sompondo – Fly Media (R20,000)
• 2nd Place: Lusanda Qunta – BeYourLife (R15,000)
• 3rd Place: Tshifiwa Maingo – BhayiPolar (R10,000)
• 4th Place: Roland Jordan – Urbxn Building & Enviro Services (R5,000)
Each participant received a certificate of completion, recognising their commitment to learning and serving as credentials for their entrepreneurial journeys.
