The Silulo Foundation recently visited four (of its seven) inspiring entrepreneurs who received Coca-Cola, UBPI microgrants to the value of USD 1,000 earlier this year. The grants were awarded to entrepreneurs who have successfully completed at least 25 of the UPBI 80-steps, as part of the Silulo Foundations ten-month Entrepreneurship Programme. The site visits were a follow-up to the awards aimed at fuelling (unlocking) growth among these township-based businesses.
These visits were more than just check-ins; they were a chance to witness first-hand how these determined entrepreneurs are transforming their communities with the support they’ve received.
Purpose of the Site Visits:
The main objective was to assess how each recipient utilised their grant funds and to understand the tangible impact on their businesses — from improved operations to increased accessibility and job creation.
Highlights from the Entrepreneurs:
✨ Carmelita Gail Shaw — Wundalash Beauty Training & Supplies Carmelita used her grant to purchase professional lash training kits, enabling her to include them in her course packages. Previously, students struggled to afford these kits, but with this support, her training has become more accessible and professional. Carmelita also hosted a grand relaunch of her business — a milestone achievement aligned with the Foundation’s 80 Steps Programme.
I’m proud to empower other women to create their own sustainable careers in the beauty industry,” says Carmelita.
💇♀️ Martina Kasirori — Martina’s Beauty Lounge Martina’s focus on delivering a luxury salon experience inspired her to invest in modern furniture and upgrade her space. With the grant, she purchased comfortable new chairs, moved her salon to a more visible location, and added 10 new nail stations — allowing all her technicians to work simultaneously.
Her business has since expanded from 8 to 11 employees, and her team is now upskilled to offer a full suite of services — from nails and hair to lashes and massages.
“Beauty is what we strive to help everyone feel good,” Martina shared proudly.
🏫 Lubabalo Charles Nqeme — Yebo Educare Lubabalo operates an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, and his grant went towards expanding his facilities. Previously, all children were taught in a single room; now, he’s created age-appropriate learning spaces, added larger tables, and built a gazebo for outdoor play and excursions.
“All children deserve a better education, and at Yebo Educare, we thrive to make that possible,” says Lubabalo.
🧰 Kwako Tshetu Kwako expressed gratitude not only for the grant but also for the mentorship and training received through the Silulo Foundation. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity brought by Silulo Foundation. I’ve recently resolved my COIDA issues thanks to what I learned from the programme.”
Reflections from the Silulo Foundation Team:
Ritshidze, who led the site visits, reflected.
“Seeing how each business contributes to the community is truly empowering. Being part of their growth and supporting them as they overcome challenges shows that this is more than just business—it’s about giving back and creating impact.”
A Ripple Effect of Empowerment:
From beauty salons to ECD centres, each of these entrepreneurs is not only creating jobs but also uplifting others through skills development and service excellence.
The Coca-Cola and UPBI microgrant initiative, together with the Silulo Foundation’s ongoing mentorship, demonstrates how strategic partnerships can turn small opportunities into lasting community impact.
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