Kasi Business Workshop celebrates a decade of empowering township entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and building a global network that inspires economic growth across South Africa.
How the Kasi Business Workshop is Redefining Township Entrepreneurship
In early 2015, a vision began taking shape in the heart of Tembisa, South Africa. The idea was to create a platform where township entrepreneurs could be recognized, supported, and celebrated. It was not about charity. It was about empowerment, sustainable growth, and giving innovators the tools to succeed in competitive markets.
From that seed of an idea, the Kasi Business Workshop was born. Its founder, Bulelani Balabala, understood that township-based businesses were often excluded from mainstream economic conversations. He wanted to change that. He envisioned an environment where the talent and determination found in townships could be nurtured into thriving enterprises.
Just a few months after the initial concept, the first workshop took place in July 2015 in a modest community hall in Tembisa. Today, the initiative has grown into a nationally recognized force for economic transformation and a global symbol of township business inclusion.
From Local Gathering to National Force
The early workshops were grassroots in nature. Entrepreneurs gathered to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other. There was no corporate gloss or formality, only genuine collaboration and the spirit of ubuntu.
Over time, the Kasi Business Workshop evolved into a full-day experience designed for connection, collaboration, and strategic growth. Each event became a carefully curated mix of networking opportunities, skills training, and real business exposure.
Today, this platform has extended far beyond South Africa’s borders. Entrepreneurs from Australia, Zambia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho have participated, creating a truly global community.
A Decade of Measurable Impact
Ten years of dedication have yielded remarkable results:
- Over 100,000 township entrepreneurs across South Africa have received direct support.
- These entrepreneurs have collectively contributed to the creation of more than 400,000 jobs.
- The initiative has built a global footprint spanning 34 countries.
- 467 local black youth-owned suppliers have been developed.
- 3,321 youth job opportunities have been created.
- The program has established a presence in 124 townships and rural communities nationwide.
These achievements are not just numbers. They represent livelihoods transformed, families supported, and communities uplifted.
The Kasi Pitching Challenge: Turning Ideas into Reality
One of the most dynamic elements of the Kasi Business Workshop is the Kasi Pitching Challenge, introduced in 2022 in Daveyton. This initiative gives township entrepreneurs the chance to present their business ideas in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win R50,000 in cash and business support.
Since its inception, the challenge has awarded over R2.5 million in direct funding, empowering 40 township businesses to expand and innovate. The competition is more than a funding opportunity. It is a platform where entrepreneurs sharpen their presentation skills, receive constructive feedback, and connect with potential partners.
In 2025, the challenge is entering its third year, with a roadshow format reaching 36 communities across South Africa. The 37th stop recently concluded in Galeshewe, Northern Cape, and the journey continues to Bochabela in the Free State.
Who Can Take Part?
The eligibility criteria for participating in the Kasi Pitching Challenge are clear and targeted:
- The business must be based in and operate within a township.
- It must have been in operation for at least two years.
- All compliance documents must be in place.
- The enterprise must be South African-owned, classified as a micro-enterprise, and meet Level 1 BBBEE status.
These requirements ensure that the program remains true to its mission, to uplift and empower genuine township entrepreneurs who are already putting in the work.
Creating Economic Opportunities Beyond the Pitch
The Kasi Business Workshop is not just about competition. It is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where township entrepreneurs can thrive. This commitment gave rise to the Kasi Business Exhibition, a platform where local businesses can showcase their products and services to a large audience.
Exhibitors are equipped with portable card payment solutions, enabling them to process transactions instantly and generate income during the event. Each exhibition booth tells a unique story, stories of resilience, creativity, and the unshakable belief in self-reliance.
Stories from the Exhibition Floor
Over the years, the Kasi Business Exhibition has featured remarkable entrepreneurs, including:
- Makatu Tshivhula, founder of The Light Candles, known for artisanal, handcrafted candles with African-inspired designs.
- Gladys Katane from Tlhabane, founder of Larona Toilet Hire, providing essential sanitation services at community events.
- Rosina Masetla, founder of Tau Royal Entertainment, specializing in event management and local talent promotion.
- Nonkanyiso Msomi, founder of Nonkanyiso Funeral Services, offering affordable and dignified funeral arrangements.
- Colin Mkosi, founder of Cloudy Deliveries, an innovative township-based delivery service.
- Vutlhari Maphophe, founder of Papa Jone’s Café, a thriving local eatery blending traditional and modern flavors.
These stories illustrate that township entrepreneurs are not waiting for opportunities to come to them. They are actively building those opportunities from the ground up.
The Four Pillars of the Kasi Business Workshop
The strength of the Kasi Business Workshop lies in its structure, which is built on four main pillars:
- The Exhibition – Showcasing township businesses to new markets.
- The Networking Pod – Facilitating strategic connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
- Mbawula Chat – Intimate, inspiring conversations with successful entrepreneurs who share their journeys and insights.
- The Masterclass – Hands-on training sessions covering practical business skills such as marketing, financial management, and scaling operations.
By combining these four elements, the workshop offers a comprehensive experience that addresses the most pressing needs of township businesses.
A Symbol of Township Economic Inclusion
The Kasi Business Workshop has become more than just an event. It is a movement. It has redefined what is possible when township entrepreneurs are seen, supported, and given a stage to shine.
This is not about parachuting external solutions into communities. It is about working with communities, leveraging local knowledge, and amplifying the voices of people who understand their own markets better than anyone else.
Global Recognition and Collaboration
What started in a single community hall in Tembisa is now recognized on an international scale. Entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries have engaged with the Kasi Business Workshop, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and fostering global partnerships.
This global recognition has opened doors for cross-border collaborations, export opportunities, and knowledge sharing, proving that township entrepreneurs can compete and succeed in the global economy.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade
As the Kasi Business Workshop celebrates its 10-year milestone, its focus is firmly on the future. The vision for the next decade includes:
- Expanding to 200 townships across South Africa.
- Increasing the number of youth-owned suppliers to 1,000 businesses.
- Doubling the reach of the Kasi Pitching Challenge.
- Establishing long-term mentorship programs for past winners and exhibitors.
The mission remains clear: to build a self-sustaining network of township entrepreneurs who create jobs, drive innovation, and inspire future generations.
Why This Matters for South Africa’s Economy
Township economies represent untapped potential worth billions of rands. They are hubs of innovation, creativity, and resilience. Yet, historically, they have been underrepresented in national economic strategies.
By providing skills development, funding opportunities, and market access, the Kasi Business Workshop is not just changing individual businesses. It is contributing to the broader goal of economic transformation in South Africa.
Conclusion: A Movement That’s Just Beginning
A decade ago, the Kasi Business Workshop was just an idea. Today, it is a proven model for empowering township entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and building global connections. Its success is measured not only in numbers but in the countless stories of lives changed and dreams realized.
As the program steps into its next chapter, one thing is clear: the real impact is only just beginning. With continued dedication, community support, and the same spirit of ubuntu that fueled its creation, the Kasi Business Workshop will continue to shape the future of township entrepreneurship for decades to come.
For more on global perspectives of economic inclusion, visit undp.org.
