As the country commemorates Mandela Month, the 37th edition of the Kasi Pitching Challenge is breathing
new life into Madiba’s vision of a fair and just society through real investments towards township
entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2022 in Daveyton, the Kasi Pitching Challenge has already empowered over 40 township
business winners, injecting more than R2.5 million in direct funding and support into the township
economy.
With over 2,030 entries, 216 township business finalists, and 36 workshops hosted across South
Africa, the mission is clear: to restore economic dignity through grassroots entrepreneurship and to unlock
opportunity where it is needed the most.
About Season 3 of the Kasi Pitching Challenge:
This season has already unearthed powerful stories of possibility, proof that township entrepreneurs,
when given the right tools, can build thriving businesses that uplift entire communities. From Soweto’s
Makatu Tshivhula, founder of The Light Candles, to Tlhabane’s Gladys Katane, founder of Larona Toilet
Hire, the impact stretches across provinces.
We have celebrated the growth of Rosina Masetla from Mamelodi, founder of Tau Royal Entertainment; Nonkanyiso Msomi from Umlazi, founder of Nonkanyiso Funeral Services; Colin Mkosi from Khayelitsha, founder of Cloudy Deliveries, and recently in Tzaneen, Vutlhari Maphophe, founder of Papa Jone’s Café.
As we mark our third return to the Northern Cape, the Kasi Business Workshop has directly impacted more
than a thousand entrepreneurs in this region. Among them, two remarkable women, Keoweditse Gloria
Moremedi, a nurse-turned-businesswoman from Galeshewe, and Yvonne Links, a chef from Paballelo, who
both walked away with R50 000 in funding and business support through the Kasi Pitching Challenge. They
turned bold ideas into active businesses that serve their communities, closing the unemployment gap.
Their stories remind us what is possible when township entrepreneurs are given a platform and financial
support.
According to a 2020 University of South Africa study, SMMEs that saw turnover growth were almost twice
as active in marketing compared to those in decline. This highlights a clear truth: township businesses are
rich with talent and potential, but without visibility, even the brightest ideas can go unnoticed. The Kasi
Business Workshop is our response to that gap. That is why, this Mandela Month, we return to Galeshewe,
to witness yet another visionary take home the next Kasi Pitching Challenge grand prize.
So, if you’re ready to take your business further, join us in Galeshewe on 19 July 2025. Your story could
be the next one we tell.
How It Works for the Galeshewe session:
Over R800 000 in direct funding already committed in our current season. Free participation for every
entrepreneur.
1. Entrepreneurs must register to attend the TEA Kasi Business Workshops.
2. On Monday, 14 July 2025, a pitch application email will be sent to all attendees.
3. If you meet the requirements, you can apply. Deadline is 16 July 2025 at 1pm.
4. Finalists will be notified via email.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be based in and operate within a township.
- Business must be running for more than 2 years.
- Must have all compliance documents.
- Must be South African-owned, Level 1 BBBEE, and a micro enterprise.
#JoinUsForTEA in Galeshewe
Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025
Time: 09:30am – 2:00pm
Entrance: FREE (PRE-REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL)
Venue: Community Hall (Home Defenders Boxing Gym), Cnr Hulana & Lang Street, Galeshewe,
Kimberley, NC 8345
Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tea-kasi-business-workshop-galeshewe-northern-cape-tickets-1443636167639?aff=oddtdtcreator
Overview on TEA
Over the past 10 years, TEA has been the driving force behind South Africa’s township ecosystem and
continues to make meaningful impact. Over 80 000+ entrepreneurs have been trained and supported, and
more than 500 township businesses have received funding and growth support. Through workshops,
training, research and funding, TEA continues to empower entrepreneurs who are often left behind in
traditional spaces, but who are building real businesses where they live.
