Author: Nonhlanhla Morare
In the heart of Johannesburg, Sensani the leading innovation of Mkazi Concepts is a proudly black and youth-led enterprise driving a mission to reshape what hygiene compliance is in South Africa. Safeguarding communities through technology. Simphiwe Peace Mjwara, the founder of Mkazi Concepts highlights that the Sansai is a next-generation hygiene compliance platform that combines the power of IoT (Internet of Things), mobile technology, and advanced analytics to combat infection risks in healthcare facilities and public spaces. The platform is developed in South Africa for South Africa, designed with the country’s healthcare and public sector challenges in mind positioned to…
For South Africa’s growing army of freelancers, gig workers and small traders, financial stability often feels like a distant dream. The reality is a relentless grind of chasing invoices, navigating unpredictable cash flow and dreading tax season. But one bold local start-up is on a mission to change that. Bloomoney isn’t here to be just another app in your crowded financial folder. Instead, it’s building a movement from the ground up, aiming to hand the power back to the independent earners who keep the economy moving. It began with a simple question from founder Thulani Masebenza, who saw the chaos…
In a world where data shapes decisions and innovation fuels progress, one youth-led startup is proving that the future of Africa’s technology is already here. Building solutions that are transforming how industries and communities operate, Nuvion AI is a bold and dynamic venture that goes beyond simply riding the wave of artificial intelligence. At its core, it is bridging human potential with intelligent systems to create lasting impact. Nuvion AI is among the promising ventures accelerated through the DSTI × EPF Venture Building Programme, a flagship initiative dedicated to nurturing high-potential, youth-led startups. The programme creates an enabling ecosystem where…
In a move to unlock the potential of South Africa’s innovative economy, the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) has officially partnered with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) to launch a Venture Building Programme designed to support high-impact, early-stage startups. This initiative is more than just a business accelerator, it’s a comprehensive, hands-on venture building journey that nurtures entrepreneurs from concept to execution, equipping them with the tools, mentorship and networks they need to thrive in South Africa’s fast-evolving tech and innovation landscape. “Our mission is to empower a new generation of problem-solvers who can drive inclusive economic growth…
In an era where digital disruption is sweeping across industries, South Africa’s legal aid sector is now stepping into the future, with purpose and precision. ProBono.Org, the country’s leading public interest legal clearinghouse, has partnered with the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) to launch a pioneering Digital Case Management (DCM) platform, signaling a much-needed transformation in how legal assistance is tracked, managed, and delivered. For decades, case management within legal aid environments has depended on manual systems, stacks of paper, outdated spreadsheets, and disjointed communications. While functional, these systems often failed to keep pace with the growing demand for legal support,…
As South Africa continues to face a mounting water crisis, stakeholders across government, civil society, and the tech sector convened for a critical dialogue hosted by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in collaboration with the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) and Ferguson Media, on April 30, 2025. The “Problem Solving Methodology, Water Scarcity, Resource Management and Future Planning in South Africa” was the themed title of the dialogue, aimed to pave a way forward through innovation, accountability, and collective action. The event brought together over 80 participants, 30 in person and 50+ joining virtually to hear from a distinguished…