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On 18 October 2025, local innovators, financiers, and policymakers gathered for the Kasi Business Workshop, a landmark event celebrating township entrepreneurship and economic transformation.
Hosted by Winston Letwaba, founder of the Advanced Academy of Excellence and former Kasi Pitching Challenge winner, the workshop showcased practical pathways for youth-driven enterprise and job creation.
What Happened at the Workshop
The event united key players including Nedbank, DEDEAT, SEFA, SEDA, and Loop Digital, each presenting solutions to strengthen township economies.
Dr. Sylvester Funani, Regional Manager at Nedbank, introduced the SimplyBiz platform, enabling free business registration and advisory support.
“Know yourself, know your product, understand your market, and perfect your timing,” Funani said. “That’s how transformation happens.”
Nomcebo Khumalo from DEDEAT urged entrepreneurs to add value within their industries.
“Don’t just grow mangoes, make mango juice,” she said. “Every layer of value creates new jobs.”
Siphethuxolo Wulana, Investment Officer at SEFA, highlighted the merger creating the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
“We’re taking services to the people — helping them become funding-ready and sustainable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Imtiyaaz Riley, CEO of Loop, unveiled Chat2Pay, a WhatsApp-based payment tool designed to help informal traders accept digital payments easily and securely.
Celebrating Township Innovation
Keynote speaker Bulelani Balabala, CEO of the Township Entrepreneurs Agency (TEA), inspired attendees to prioritize iteration over perfection.
“Entrepreneurship is not about being perfect — it’s about progress. Every complaint is a lesson. That’s how you evolve.”
The highlight of the day was the Kasi Pitching Challenge, where Mlibo Majeke, founder of EC Poultry and Vegetables Primary Cooperative Limited, won R50,000 in funding and business support — marking the 40th edition of the challenge and celebrating over R2 million in total seed funding distributed to township innovators.
Event Details
| Event | Kasi Business Workshop & Pitching Challenge |
| Date | 18 October 2025 |
| Venue | Mthatha, Eastern Cape |
| Host | Advanced Academy of Excellence, TEA |
| Partners | Nedbank, DEDEAT, SEDFA, Loop Digital |
| Prize | R50,000 cash and business support |
How Township Entrepreneurs Can Apply for Support
- Register: Visit SimplyBiz.co.za for free business registration and mentorship access.
- Connect: Engage with TEA via JoinUsForTEA.co.za for training and pitching opportunities.
- Prepare: Ensure compliance and business readiness for funding with guidance from SEDFA.
- Digitize: Use tools like Chat2Pay to expand your customer base through mobile transactions.
- Network: Attend regional workshops and mentorship sessions to gain exposure and partnerships.
