Today, I am proud to share an important milestone in the Silulo Foundation’s journey.
The Silulo Foundation has officially been approved by the South African Revenue Service as a Public Benefit Organisation and has received Section 18A approval to issue tax-deductible receipts for qualifying donations.
This is more than an administrative achievement. It creates new opportunities for companies, foundations and individual donors to invest in practical programmes that help township entrepreneurs and young people build more sustainable economic futures.
What this means for our funding partners
Companies and other eligible donors that make qualifying donations to the Silulo Foundation can now receive a Section 18A tax-deductible receipt. Subject to the applicable requirements and the donor’s own tax circumstances, this may enable the donation to be claimed as a deduction from taxable income.
For companies seeking meaningful corporate social investment opportunities, the approval provides a clearer and more compliant mechanism through which to support the Foundation’s work.
It also strengthens our ability to engage companies looking for initiatives that complement their social impact, economic inclusion, entrepreneurship development and socio-economic development priorities. Any B-BBEE recognition will remain subject to the nature of the contribution and the company’s own verification requirements.
Most importantly, these approvals bring an even greater responsibility to demonstrate sound governance, transparent reporting and measurable impact.
Building businesses that can create livelihoods
The Silulo Foundation works with entrepreneurs who have already taken the difficult first step of starting a business, often with limited access to funding, formal business knowledge, professional networks or markets.
Our role is not simply to deliver once-off training.
We support entrepreneurs over time as they learn to manage their finances, understand their customers, improve their operations, formalise their businesses and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.
The Foundation also helps connect entrepreneurs to mentors, business specialists, corporate partners, academic institutions and other entrepreneurs. These relationships can be just as valuable as classroom learning because no business grows in isolation.
Our work builds on more than two decades of experience within the Silulo ecosystem and a deep understanding of both the potential and the practical realities of township entrepreneurship.
Where companies can make a difference
Corporate funding can help us expand entrepreneurship programmes into more communities and provide sustained support throughout an entrepreneur’s development journey.
Companies can partner with the Silulo Foundation by supporting:
- Full entrepreneurship development cohorts
- Entrepreneur bursaries and programme participation
- Business workshops and specialist training
- Mentorship and professional advisory support
- Digital skills and youth development programmes
- Business equipment and operational resources
- Market-access and networking opportunities
- Alumni development and continued business support
We also welcome companies that would like to contribute expertise, services, technology or access to markets alongside financial support.
The strongest partnerships are not based only on what a company can give. They are built around a shared understanding of the problem, the outcomes we want to achieve and the value that each partner can bring.
An invitation to invest in economic participation
South Africa does not lack entrepreneurial talent.
What many entrepreneurs lack is consistent access to the knowledge, networks, markets and resources that allow a small business to move from survival to sustainability.
Behind every stronger township business is the potential for greater household income, additional employment, more local procurement and a stronger community economy.
Our PBO and Section 18A approvals give companies a new opportunity to participate in that journey through a recognised and accountable funding structure.
I invite business leaders, corporate social investment teams, transformation specialists, foundations and potential funding partners to engage with us.
Let us explore how your organisation’s resources and expertise can help more entrepreneurs build businesses that last, create livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy.
To discuss a potential partnership, please contact the Silulo Foundation team at [email protected] or visit www.silulofoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation, our programmes, impact and partners, and entrepreneurs.