This Saturday, the 20th of June at 11am, we will be at MamKefu’s Guesthouse in Khayelitsha as the Silulo Foundation will once again bring together entrepreneurs, partners, supporters and the wider business community to celebrate one of the highlights of its annual entrepreneurship calendar: the 2026 Michael H. Boyce Award.
The event is far more than an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of resilience, leadership and the remarkable journeys of entrepreneurs who have transformed opportunity into sustainable businesses while creating opportunities for others.
Named in honour of Col. Michael H. Boyce (USMC, Retired), the award recognises entrepreneurs who embody the values that defined his life: honour, courage, commitment, faithfulness, discipline, perseverance and leadership. These qualities mirror the challenges faced by many township entrepreneurs who build businesses despite significant obstacles yet remain committed to creating lasting impact in their communities.
As a proud UPBI partner in South Africa, the Silulo Foundation believes entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful pathways to economic participation, job creation and community development. The Michael H. Boyce Award celebrates those entrepreneurs who not only grow successful businesses but also inspire others through their character and commitment to excellence.
This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Professor Dr. Michael Morris whose lifelong commitment to serve leadership continues to inspire entrepreneurs across the global UPBI network. Joining him will be Loyiso Ngqwemla and Monene Murray, both board members at Silulo Foundation. Joining them will be Daniel Makhubu, Business Development Specialist at the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), together with previous programme winners who will share first-hand accounts of how entrepreneurship has transformed their businesses and their lives.
Over the past three years, the Michael H. Boyce Award has recognised exceptional entrepreneurs who continue to demonstrate what is possible through determination, continuous learning and disciplined business growth.
Among them are:
• 2023 winner Kudzai Mugwanda, founder of ‘Kuhle Nails and Beauty’, whose business has grown into a six-store beauty brand across the Western Cape with ambitions to expand across Africa.
• 2024 winner Zola Mekula, founder of ‘Zola M Properties’, who has built one of Khayelitsha’s leading independent real estate agencies, employing a growing team and expanding into multiple regions.
• 2025 winner Tamsanqa Ndayi, founder of ‘Qwathi Electrical and Projects’, whose company recently secured two major five-year contracts as it transitions from subcontractor to principal contractor, creating further opportunities for employment and growth.
Their continued success demonstrates that entrepreneurship support does not end with graduation. It creates the foundation for long-term economic participation, sustainable business growth and stronger local economies.
We look forward to celebrating another entrepreneur whose journey reflects the values of the Michael H. Boyce Award and inspires the next generation of township business leaders.
If you would like to join us for this special celebration, please contact the Silulo Foundation team at [email protected] or use this link to RSVP: https://airtable.com/app9mgqebZgpR9saO/pagJOefwKtKUJCXNd/form
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