Connecting Local Visionaries to Global Opportunities
The Silulo Foundation continues to open doors for township-based entrepreneurs, transforming local dreams into global possibilities.
The Foundation was invited to participate in the FORGE Global Summit, held at the iconic Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West from 27–31 October.
The FORGE Global Summit is an annual experience for believers driving change through entrepreneurship in emerging and frontier markets. Participants are immersed in a unique blend of culture, faith, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. The week-long summit brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the world to explore how faith, purpose, and entrepreneurship can drive transformation in emerging markets. The event provided a rare opportunity for networking, collaboration, and shared learning, uniting people who are passionate about business as a force for good.
The Summit commenced on Monday, 27 October, with an inspiring SMME Showcase hosted by Debbie Parker, Head of the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF). Debbie was instrumental in organising the inclusion of the Silulo Foundation and its partner in the Summit, providing a platform for four of our entrepreneurs alongside social innovators from our partner, RLabs.
During the session, Mr. Luvuyo Rani and Christine Nicola Thapel, CEO of RLabs, shared insights about the EntrepreNXT platform – a collaborative initiative connecting entrepreneurs from townships including Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Dunoon, and Athlone. They highlighted how the Silulo Foundation and RLabs are leveraging each other’s strengths to create access to opportunities, foster collaboration, and strengthen the township entrepreneurship ecosystem.
This unique opportunity allowed four exceptional entrepreneurs from Silulo’s Entrepreneurship Programme to showcase their businesses on a global stage, representing South Africa’s township economy across diverse industries, including Education (with a focus on Early Childhood Development), Healthcare, and Food & Beverage.
Showcasing Township Excellence
Introduced by Luvuyo Rani, Founder and CEO of the Silulo Foundation, the four entrepreneurs represented the vibrancy and resilience of township enterprise:
- Elizabeth Malope – Nyakallo Orphans and Child Care (Dunoon) Elizabeth provides early childhood education and holistic support to vulnerable children. Through her ECD centre, she serves over 100 learners and runs a feeding programme reaching more than 200 children per session, restoring dignity and hope in her community.
- Kudzai Mugwanda – Kuhle Nails & Beauty (Cape Town) Founded in 2018, Kuhle Nails & Beauty has grown into a thriving brand with six branches. Kudzai’s mission is to make luxurious beauty treatments accessible and affordable to the kasi girl — empowering women while creating employment across Cape Town and beyond.
- Xoleka Kambi – KHS Clinic (Dunoon) A nurse-led healthcare practice, KHS Clinic delivers accessible, quality healthcare focused on wellness and preventative care. From Vitamin IV drips to HIV testing and women’s health services, Xoleka champions community-centred, compassionate care.
- Sikelela Dibela – Siki’s Koffee Kafe (Khayelitsha & V&A Waterfront) From humble beginnings in his mother’s garage, Siki has built a proudly township-born coffee brand that connects entrepreneurs, creatives, and coffee lovers. As the first township entrepreneur to own a coffee roasting machine, he continues to grow his brand and inspire others across South Africa.
The social entrepreneurs from our partner, RLabs, who also participated in the showcase include, Senzo Masumpa, COO of Zito; Robyn Brock, Co-Owner of Not So Plain; Zach Thomas, Co-Founder of ReCha; and Althea de Wet, Co-Founder of Kind Arts.
The Power of Networks and Collaboration
For these entrepreneurs, the Global Summit was more than an event, it was an eye-opening experience of global exposure, collaboration, and opportunity. Engaging with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders opened new doors for growth and potential partnerships across borders.
Some of the participants are already in discussion with international collaborators, while the Silulo Foundation itself is exploring new strategic partnerships to expand its impact footprint.
These moments remind us that entrepreneurship thrives where collaboration exists between business, academia, government, faith-based organisations, and global partners. By coming together, we create ecosystems that allow entrepreneurs not only to survive but to flourish, driving job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across South Africa and the continent.
Building Bridges Beyond Borders
At Silulo Foundation, our mission has always been to bridge the digital and economic divide by empowering entrepreneurs and communities through access, training, and opportunity.
Events like the FORGE Global Summit reaffirm our belief that township entrepreneurs can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world, when given the right exposure, mentorship, and support.
As we look ahead, the Foundation remains committed to nurturing partnerships that strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that more innovators from underserved communities are given a seat at the global table.
✨ Together, we rise — one entrepreneur, one collaboration, one opportunity at a time.
💡 Our next two cohorts are now open! Entrepreneurs can enrol for the 10-month Entrepreneurship Programme in either Khayelitsha or Dunoon. 👉 Visit https://silulofoundation.org/apply/ to apply.