Every certificate handed over at the Silulo Foundation represents more than the completion of a programme.
It represents commitment.
It represents growth.
It represents the courage to build something, often against many odds.
Last week, the Silulo Foundation celebrated another meaningful milestone as 15 entrepreneurs received their certificates after completing the Foundation’s 10-month Entrepreneurship Programme.
The graduation ceremony was hosted at the Vodacom Head Office auditorium in Century City, with Vodacom generously sponsoring the venue and creating a warm, professional space for entrepreneurs, partners and supporters to come together in celebration of township entrepreneurship.
The event was held in conjunction with the Silulo Foundation and its key programme partner, the Astron Energy Development Fund, whose continued support plays an important role in enabling entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities to access structured business development support.
A programme built around real growth
The entrepreneurs who graduated completed the full programme journey, including bootcamps, business forums, student consulting support, counselling and ongoing learning opportunities designed to help them strengthen their businesses, improve their confidence and build practical skills for sustainable growth.
For many of these entrepreneurs, the programme is not simply about learning how to run a business. It is about being seen, supported and equipped to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and the broader economy.
It is about creating businesses that can grow, employ others and become part of the socio-economic fabric of Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa.
Support that continues beyond graduation
Importantly, the Silulo Foundation’s support does not end when entrepreneurs receive their certificates.
Entrepreneurs who complete the 10-month programme have the opportunity to remain part of the Foundation’s growing ecosystem by joining as members at a minimal monthly fee. This gives them continued access to networking events, collaborative partnerships, partner-led opportunities and ongoing exposure through Silulo’s website, social media platforms, owned channels, earned media opportunities and wider networks.
Through this continued support, the Foundation creates a platform where entrepreneurs can remain visible, connected and part of a community that encourages growth beyond the programme itself.
Powerful voices from the programme
One of the most special parts of the day was hearing directly from entrepreneurs from Cohorts 6 and 7, who shared their journeys, their businesses and what the programme has meant to them.
Among them were:
Thembisa Majikijela, founder of ‘Intsika Yezwe’, a community-based NGO focused on food security, nutrition and support for vulnerable groups.
Silulami Siwela, founder of ‘Siwela Solutions’, a professional cleaning and facilities management business serving government and corporate clients.
Amanda Nkwintshi, founder of ‘We Care Wellness Clinic’ in Khayelitsha, providing accessible healthcare services to children, adults and families.
Akhona Mbangata, founder of ‘Akho Prime Clean’, a cleaning service provider focused on residential and business clients.
Their stories reflected the heart of the Silulo Foundation’s work: helping entrepreneurs from township communities move from potential to action, and from survival to sustainable business growth.
Partners who make the journey possible
The ceremony was opened by Kirsten Burgess, Commercial Insights Manager: Consumer Business Unit at Vodacom, who welcomed guests and helped set the tone for a morning of celebration and encouragement.
The Astron Energy Development Fund was represented by Owona Madlingozi, Impact Analyst, who spoke about the importance of supporting entrepreneurs as drivers of local economic development.
Nangamso Gugwini, Enterprise Banker at Absa Group, also addressed the entrepreneurs, bringing valuable encouragement from the financial services sector and highlighting the importance of enterprise development support.
Luvuyo Rani, Founder and CEO of the Silulo Foundation, congratulated the entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to building practical pathways for entrepreneurs from township communities, not only during the programme, but as a lifelong partner to its alumni members.
These partnerships matter deeply. When corporate partners, funders, mentors and ecosystem builders come together, entrepreneurs receive more than training. They gain access, confidence, networks and the opportunity to build businesses that can last.
Another milestone for the Silulo Foundation
This graduation marks another proud step in the Silulo Foundation’s mission to empower entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities to build and scale their businesses.
The Foundation remains committed to creating practical pathways for township entrepreneurs to access knowledge, mentorship, networks, funding opportunities and platforms where their businesses can be seen and supported.
To every entrepreneur who received a certificate: congratulations. Your journey is an inspiration, and your business matters.
To Vodacom, the Astron Energy Development Fund, Absa Group and all partners involved: thank you for helping make this milestone possible.
Final call: applications for the next cohort
The Silulo Foundation is currently accepting final applications for the next intake of its Entrepreneurship Programme.
If you are an entrepreneur or know someone from a township community who is ready to strengthen, grow and formalise their business, this is your opportunity to take the next step.
Apply here: https://silulofoundation.org/apply/
Get Involved
The Foundation also invites funders, corporate partners, mentors, speakers, venue sponsors, catering sponsors and organisations passionate about enterprise development to get involved.
By supporting the programme, you are not only supporting an entrepreneur. You are helping build stronger businesses, create jobs, grow local economies and contribute to long-term community development.
To apply for the next cohort, fund an entrepreneur, sponsor the programme or get involved as a partner, please visit https://silulofoundation.org or contact the [email protected].
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