Bulelani Balabala is a name synonymous with empowerment and transformation within South Africa’s township economy.
As CEO of the Township Entrepreneurs Agency and founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), he has dedicated his career to promoting growth in underserved communities, impacting over 80,000 small businesses across townships and rural areas.
In conversation with TechFinancials, Balabala shares his vision for the township economy, focusing on innovation, mentorship, and community-driven change.
The role of community-based mentorship
Balabala champions the idea that effective mentorship must begin at the grassroots level.
For him, mentorship extends beyond high-profile figures and includes tapping into local wisdom.
“We often overlook the knowledge economy within townships,” he explains. “Our communities are filled with aunts, cousins, and friends who possess valuable skills and insights.”
This approach is vital for promoting a culture of support and growth.
By valuing local mentors, township entrepreneurs can access practical knowledge from people who understand their unique challenges and opportunities.
Balabala stresses the importance of mentorship as the first step toward broader business support, emphasising a sequence that begins with guidance and ultimately leads to financial sponsorship and market access.
Expanding the definition of innovation
To truly unlock township potential, Balabala believes innovation must extend beyond technology.
While technology can empower businesses, he argues that innovation is ultimately about “when two ideologies or ways of thinking collide.”
This expanded view allows township entrepreneurs to redefine innovation through local practices, adaptability, and community-based solutions.
Balabala envisions a world where technology is a tool, not the definition, of innovation.
When township businesses integrate technological principles, they can streamline their processes and become more efficient, but the real value lies in adapting these innovations to fit local needs.
“Innovation should be seen as improving lives,” he says, pointing out that the township economy has thrived for years on community-driven ideas and resourcefulness.
The realities of innovation in the township economy
Balabala rejects the notion that innovation is a mere buzzword in the township economy. Instead, he emphasises that innovation is an essential survival tool for communities with limited resources.
However, he notes that adding a tech element to existing practices could increase efficiency and open new job opportunities, especially for youth.
“The perception of tech as something that replaces jobs overlooks the fact that tech also creates new roles,” he explains.
Integrating technology into township businesses could transform them from small, informal ventures to formalised entities that require a skilled workforce, ultimately driving job creation.
Customised solutions and cultural awareness
For corporations looking to engage with the township market, Balabala insists on a shift from research-driven to relationship-driven approaches.
He urges businesses to engage directly with township communities rather than relying solely on consultants, emphasising that each township has its own identity and culture.
“The township is largely driven by trust,” he says. “It’s not enough to know the language; understanding the unique nuances of each community is crucial.”
IAF Brands – Balabal is Group CEO of IAF Brands – has exemplified this approach by fostering close connections with local communities, ensuring that its solutions resonate with township residents.
By focusing on relationships rather than assumptions, Balabala’s model empowers corporations to create products and services that meet real needs.
Redefining the township economy
Balabala’s blueprint for redefining the township economy goes beyond economic inclusion.
He envisions an approach that addresses equity and sustainability by involving local businesses in corporate supply chains, promoting capacity development, and promoting an equitable distribution of resources.
This, he believes, is essential for countering the historical marginalisation of townships, a legacy of apartheid that established them as economically isolated zones.
“Townships have the potential to be vibrant centres of commerce, but they need support that extends beyond superficial engagement,” Balabala explains. “If we approach township development with genuine understanding, we can create solutions that align with the needs of the people.”
The fourfold approach to township economic engagement
Balabala’s strategy involves a fourfold approach to engaging with the township economy.
- First, corporates should consider the equity stakes for township businesses when launching new projects, such as malls.
- Second, he calls for integrating local suppliers into supply chains to ensure that townships retain economic benefits.
- Third, township entrepreneurs need access to ongoing mentorship and capacity development.
- Finally, job creation should be part of a larger strategy that elevates the township economy.
This comprehensive model for corporate engagement reflects the resilience and potential of township communities.
Balabala emphasises that revitalisation efforts should focus not just on economic growth but also on changing perceptions, both internally and externally.
“We’re only as strong as our weakest link,” he notes, highlighting the interconnected nature of township economies.
Reviving community values in economic development
Balabala argues that the township economy embodies principles of inclusivity and respect that are often missing in Western business models.
He stresses that in the township, community support is paramount.
“We understand that no one is better off if others around them aren’t also thriving,” he says.
This focus on mutual support and shared resources is at the core of township culture.
For Balabala, this community-centred ethos is what sets township businesses apart, offering a model of resilience and collaboration that can inspire the broader economy. By drawing on African values of interconnectedness, the township economy can promote sustainable growth and equitable distribution.
“Get Things Done”: A philosophy for impact
Balabala’s personal motto, “Get Things Done,” reflects his unwavering commitment to action and productivity.
Inspired by his friend, DJ Sbu, this motto has become a guiding principle for Balabala’s work with TEA and his personal life.
“For me, it’s about driving productivity, fostering change, and delivering results,” he says.
This mantra personifies Balabala’s dedication to empowering township entrepreneurs to take initiative and pursue their dreams.
His book, The Township Entrepreneur’s Guide to Getting Things Done, captures this philosophy, offering practical advice and inspiration for township-based business owners.
People as the heart of the township economy
At its core, the township economy is people-driven. Balabala believes that every transaction, from the smallest to the largest, is sustained by the trust and participation of township residents.
“The power of the township economy lies in its people,” he asserts. By empowering individuals to take control of their economic futures, Balabala envisions a sustainable ecosystem where prosperity is shared.
Through his work with TEA and IAF Brands, Balabala continues to challenge stereotypes and redefine what’s possible in township communities.
His vision for a vibrant, inclusive township economy isn’t just a dream, it’s a movement, and it’s reshaping South Africa’s economic landscape one community at a time.
Bulelani’s achievements:
- Social Impact Award at the EPF Tech Awards
- NDP2030 Youth Ambassador in the Presidency
- Social Impact Award by EPF Fund
- Recognized as a young Achiever & Trailblazer by President Ramaphosa
- Best Corporate Citizen by Mayor of Ekurhuleni
- Entrepreneurial Leadership recognition by Future of Leadership
- Top Entrepreneur Developer by SME South Africa
- Master Entrepreneur of the Township – Destiny Man Magazine
- Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
- SA Premier Business Award Winner
- SAYA Entrepreneurship Award by NYDA – Named the GO-TO Guy for Township Entrepreneurs by City Press
- Your Business Magazine cover June/July 2018 – National print & digital magazine – Regenesys Business Ambassador of the Year
