By Selloane Ntshonyane
- His network gives township entrepreneurs mentorship, workshops and access to funding, helping them build stronger businesses closer to home daily.
- He says many businesses can grow when owners know their market, use digital tools and keep showing up for customers.
Township business owners who cannot afford long trips for help are finding support closer to home through Bulelani Balabala’s work.
He started in his mother’s garage and now helps entrepreneurs meet, share ideas and get business support.
Balabala said he wanted to build a platform for township entrepreneurs who feel stuck.
“We wanted to provide access to information, infrastructure, and business development without them having to travel long distances just for access to these economic hubs of development in various parts of the country,” he said.
He said township entrepreneurship brings both opportunity and frustration. He said red tape and limited resources slow many businesses down, even as more customers start supporting local brands.
Balabala said the digital gap is also holding businesses back. While more than 70% of South Africans have internet access, fewer than 30% of small businesses in townships actively trade online, leaving many to work manually without automation or cloud tools.
He said business owners also struggle with access to information, funding for growth, and digital tools such as online payments and platforms.
But he believes local communities still offer strong opportunities for businesses that understand their market and offer something different.
Balabala said the businesses that do well usually have committed founders, strong teams, and mentors who help them make better decisions.
Through the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance, he has supported more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and helped more than 500 township businesses with funding and growth support.
He said young people should start where they are, work hard, and keep delivering value. His Kasi Tech Series also gives township businesses access to artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud tools.
Pictured above: Bulelani Balabala.
Image source: Supplied
