From the streets of Johannesburg, where ambition meets opportunity, a spark ignited in 2018 that grew into one of South Africa’s most purpose-driven digital startups. MYHEAT, founded by Sibabalwe Mvelo, is built on the belief that technology should empower people not just generate profit.
Born from what Mvelo calls the fire within “Intshisekelo yami”, MYHEAT was created to make digital tools accessible to small businesses and individuals often left behind in the tech space.
“MYHEAT began with one laptop and a vision,” says Mvelo. “I wanted to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life and thrive in a digital world. Our goal is to make innovation accessible to anyone with purpose and the will to give it a go.”
From websites and mobile apps to full-scale digital platforms, MYHEAT designs solutions with real impact. Its standout innovation is the Ignition Package, formerly known as the the 5-1-31 Package offering small businesses a starter website, domain, email setup, and hosting all for R200 in the first month and R120 thereafter.
According to Mvelo the process is a simple and an affordable bridge helping entrepreneur step confidently into the digital space.
“What sets MYHEAT apart is heart and accessibility, and for us technology is a ministry of purpose, a way to uplift others through innovation and collaboration.” Says Mvelo. MYHEAT embodies faith-led creativity that connects business with community transformation. While many startups lead with algorithms, MYHEAT leads with empathy.
“We always start with people,” asserts Mvelo. “Before we write a single line of code, we make sure we understand the story and the dream behind the project. That’s how we keep the human element at the center of innovation.”
This philosophy has led to tangible community impact. One example is My Little Munchkins, a local crèche that now manages operations through MYHEAT’s email tools proof that digital transformation doesn’t require millions, just meaningful design. Similarly, the company’s WhatsApp Campaign Platform helps small businesses send affordable updates and promotions, giving them the communication reach of larger brands.
MYHEAT is among the promising startups incubated in the DSTI × EPF Venture Building Program, an initiative empowering youth-led businesses to scale their innovation and social impact.
Mvelo highlights that the program has helped them sharpen their story, strengthen their systems, and focus on scalability. He further says that the program has provided a structure to turn purpose into a repeatable system where every product delivers measurable value.
Under the hashtag #myheat, the company shares stories of entrepreneurs rising through digital empowerment, proving that success begins not with capital, but conviction. “We highlight real entrepreneurs and real progress,” adds Mvelo. “You don’t need millions to start, just the will to build something that matters.”
As MYHEAT continues to grow, its goal remains bold yet grounded, to reach 10,000 small businesses across Africa with the Ignition Package, giving each a digital home and tools to compete in the modern economy. The company also plans to expand its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development services for startups ready to scale, while strengthening platforms that connect and empower communities across the continent.
Having completed Phases 1 and 2 of the programs, Ideation & Onboarding, Strategy & Product Roadmap Development, MYHEAT is now on Phase 3: Buzz Generation, focusing on visibility and public engagement.
Through this journey, MYHEAT continues to embody the essence of South African entrepreneurship, driven by passion, powered by purpose, and grounded in creating community impact.
