In South Africa’s township economy, few individuals have driven as much change and empowerment as Bulelani Balabala.
As the Group CEO of IAF Brands and the visionary founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), Bulelani has devoted his career to reshaping perceptions, creating opportunities, and promoting resilience among township entrepreneurs.
From his early struggles in Thembisa to becoming a prominent leader advocating for township businesses, Bulelani’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community-centred entrepreneurship.
The making of a visionary: lessons from family and community
Bulelani’s entrepreneurial story is deeply rooted in the values he absorbed from his grandparents. He recalls their influence, particularly his grandfather’s focus on character, frugality, and responsibility.
“My grandfather’s mentorship wasn’t a structured business strategy; it was about core values,” he says. “Those lessons became habits, and those habits turned into core aspects of who I am.”
These principles laid the foundation for his career, inspiring him to build an environment where township entrepreneurs could flourish with the same strength and resilience.
He emphasises that young entrepreneurs should embrace the wisdom of older generations to counteract the lack of guidance that many face today.
“The influence of family shapes who we are,” he notes. “Creating an enabling environment for future generations is crucial.”
Bulelani’s commitment to advancing this environment has been a cornerstone of TEA, which he envisions as a legacy that will continue to uplift township communities.
IAF Brands: from humble beginnings to economic catalyst
Bulelani founded IAF Brands in 2006 from his mother’s garage in Thembisa’s Hospital View.
What began as a modest internet café generating only a few rands a day evolved into a multifaceted business, offering everything from printing services to food and stationery packs for multinational corporations.
The company’s mission, to “stand in the gap with discipline, skill, and precision while maintaining a global state of mind”, reflects Bulelani’s belief in the potential of township businesses to compete on the world stage.
IAF Brands has not only created jobs in the community but also broken-down structural barriers that often hinder township enterprises.
Despite facing challenges in hiring qualified employees due to negative perceptions, Bulelani’s commitment to excellence transformed IAF into a thriving entity.
“Our journey proves that township businesses are resilient and can compete globally,” he affirms.
Even after selling the operational aspects of IAF, he retained the legal entity to continue his work in empowering township entrepreneurs.
TEA: empowering a movement, “One Township or ‘Kasi’ at a Time”
Launched in 2015, TEA has since grown from a local initiative in Thembisa to a nationwide force impacting over 80,000 township entrepreneurs and securing funding for more than 500 small businesses.
TEA’s mission is simple but powerful: to uplift township and rural businesses by offering mentorship, soft skills training, and crucial business resources through its Kasi Business Workshops, Expos, and community summits.
“We impact township entrepreneurs one community at a time, one ‘Kasi’ at a time,” Bulelani explains.
His approach involves creating an aspirational environment by transforming local gatherings with an atmosphere of success and opportunity.
TEA’s unique presence in these communities, not confined to a single office but extending across Thembisa, Sandton, Durban, and Cape Town, allows Bulelani and his team to meet entrepreneurs where they are, facilitating hands-on support that drives tangible change.
Creating sustainable support systems
Bulelani’s vision for TEA goes beyond just economic development. “For the first six to seven years, I personally funded TEA operations,” he reflects.
His passion for township entrepreneurship sustained TEA, ensuring that it remained a brand that township entrepreneurs could trust.
Unlike some organisations, TEA is fiercely protective of its integrity, meticulously evaluating partnerships to ensure they benefit the community rather than exploit it.
“We only engage in partnerships that bring value to township entrepreneurs,” he says.
TEA’s careful approach has earned it respect and trust, making it a cornerstone of the township economy. This commitment to integrity allows TEA to support township businesses in a way that is sustainable and empowering.
Impacting future generations: Ambitions for IAF and TEA
Looking forward, Bulelani’s goals for IAF Brands and TEA are bold.
In the next five years, he envisions TEA as the go-to agency for corporations seeking to understand and engage with township markets.
Additionally, he aims to make TEA a leading exporter of township goods and a permanent presence in all the communities it serves.
“We want to be at the forefront of meaningful, grassroots change,” he says, “establishing a permanent presence that continues to drive impact for generations to come.”
With the continued development of a digital platform to support township entrepreneurs, Bulelani is pushing TEA to the next level, creating a comprehensive resource tailored to the unique challenges faced by township businesses.
This digital model will provide invaluable resources to township entrepreneurs, empowering them to expand their reach and impact.
The legacy of Bulelani Balabala
From typing over 20,000 CVs to running multiple business ventures, Bulelani’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by relentless resilience and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
He is driven by the conviction that township-born ideas need not be seen as inferior but as dynamic, innovative, and globally competitive.
“Excellence should be a hallmark of township enterprises,” he insists, emphasising the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations of township entrepreneurs.
Today, Bulelani’s work with IAF Brands and TEA stands as a model of what is possible when passion, purpose, and community come together.
His journey from Thembisa to national influence is inspiring a new generation to believe in the potential of the township economy.
Through his unwavering vision, Bulelani is not just building businesses, he is building a movement, one ‘Kasi’ at a time.
