The Silulo Foundation and the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF) are celebrating the first anniversary of a pioneering partnership that has already transformed the lives of hundreds of entrepreneurs and community members in Dunoon and beyond.
In just twelve months, the Silulo Foundation Business & Career Centre in Dunoon, funded by the AEDF, has become a thriving hub of opportunity. From career support to entrepreneurial development, the centre provides essential services such as business registrations, CV writing, printing, internet café facilities and free Wi-Fi. These services are bridging the digital divide and giving township entrepreneurs and job seekers access to the tools they need to grow and thrive.
The Township Enterpepreneuship Programme
Over the past year, more than 124 entrepreneurs, from established businesses to emerging start-ups, have successfully completed the Silulo Foundation Entrepreneurship programme. They took part in intensive bootcamps and benefited from guidance, peer-to-peer mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on support to scale their operations, all while becoming part of a collaborative community of township entrepreneurs across Cape Town
The entrepreneurship programme has also unlocked access to funding opportunities and other advanced entrepreneurial programmes, giving township businesses a pathway to long-term growth.”
The Township Digital Computer Skills Course
In addition, over 256 youth have enrolled the digital computer skills development course, earning their QCTO Level 4 certification.
Of these 117 graduates, over 68 are now employed, while more than 30 have gone on to further their studies at colleges and universities. The Foundation continues to seek partnerships with corporates and institutions to place more students in meaningful employment post-programme.
The first two cohorts of entrepreneurs under the AEDF partnership have collectively generated R6,027,569.80 revenue and created 118 jobs, demonstrating the tangible economic impact of the programme.
What this means to the communities and its economies
The ripple effect of these initiatives is strengthening families, uplifting communities, and showcasing the transformative power of strategic partnerships in South Africa’s challenging economy.
“”A defining moment for me was when I received the Michael Boyce Award and was accepted into the UWC programmes (UPBI, ESSA and the Master Builders Program). It was a validation of my hard work and a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey with Qwathi. This recognition gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward and reinforced my belief in the potential of my business.” ~Thamsanqa Ndayi, Cohort 4”
Luvuyo Rani, Founder and CEO of the Silulo Foundation, said:
“Partnerships like these are the heartbeat of sustainable development in South Africa. With unemployment at record highs and government institutions struggling to provide the necessary support, it is collaborations between corporates like Astron Energy and social entrepreneurs like the Silulo Foundation that drive real change. Together, we are developing skills, growing businesses, and creating jobs.”
Mona-Lisa Maposa, COO of the Silulo Foundation, added:
One of the greatest opportunities this partnership has created is the ability to educate and inspire township entrepreneurs, while showing them the value of networking and collaboration. In just a year, we’ve already seen powerful stories of cross-township collaborations- entrepreneurs supporting each other, businesses growing side by side, and individuals realising that their aspirations are achievable when they are part of a supportive community. These success stories prove that when knowledge, resources, and networks come together, real transformation happens.”
Debbie Parker, Head of the Astron Energy Development Fund, said:
“It has been a true pleasure working alongside the Silulo Foundation. Together, we’ve built a model of impact that changes lives on the ground. We look forward to the next two years of this partnership and exploring new opportunities to extend this work to even more communities.”
As the partnership enters its second year, both organisations remain committed to scaling their impact—empowering township entrepreneurs, equipping youth with digital skills, and continuing their mission of building sustainable pathways to economic participation and prosperity.
About Silulo Foundation
The Silulo Foundation is a pioneering social enterprise committed to empowering township entrepreneurs and youth by providing access to skills development, mentorship, and resources. Through entrepreneurship programmes, bootcamps, and partnerships with leading institutions, the foundation builds sustainable pathways for individuals and communities to thrive.
About Astron Energy Development Fund
The Astron Energy Development Fund invests in communities through initiatives that drive skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to essential business and digital services. With a focus on creating long-term impact, the Fund plays a key role in building sustainable futures for South Africa’s youth and entrepreneurs.