Celebrating young black entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Young black people in South Africa are taking the world of business by storm. In 2017,  The Real State of Entrepreneurship survey found that more than half of South Africans who run their own businesses are young people.

This week’s Top Five Friday is all about celebrating young (black) entrepreneurs in SA

5. Sinenhlanhla Ndlela

Sinenhlanhla Ndlela, the founder of Yo Coco, launched her vegan ice cream in 2016. Yo coco’s dairy-free ice cream is made from nut-based milk and organic fruits and vegetables. Flavours include rooibos and cookies, spicy pumpkin and avo and mint.

The KZN native’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016. Her love for ice-cream started when she chose to follow a vegan lifestyle. When Sinenhlanhla realized that there were very little options for vegans who loved ice cream, she saw a business opportunity. “My parents have been involved in business since they were young, and this really exposed me to different businesses and how they are run,” she said. Read more about Sinenhlanhla and Yo coco here. http://livemag.co.za/get-to-know-the-creator-of-booming-ice-cream-business-yococo/

4. Wandile and Khanda

Wandile and Khanda are the owners of streetwear clothing brand BAPS. Wandile studied at New Forest High School, did Graphic Design, Fashion and Interior Design at Style Design College.

BAPS is a concept under the umbrella ”Sophisticated Monkey”. It broke into the South African market in 2014 and has, since then, been received positively on social media with its modern look. The ethos of the brand encourages the youth to express themselves without fear in a fresh way.

The Durban natives started the brand to bring street culture into the mainstream and to expose young people to find new ways of expressing themselves.

Instagram: @smb_dbn

3. Tshepo Mohlala.

Handcrafted  Denim, by Tshepo Mohlala, has solidified him as ‘The Jean Maker’. Launched in 2015, the premium lifestyle brand offers a wide range of denim and cotton products.” The core of the business is firmly rooted in high quality, ready-to-wear denim for both men and women.

Tshepo Mohlala, was born in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga and later moved to Tsakane in the east of Johannesburg. All it took was a stylish aunt to spark his interest in fashion. “My passion for denim came from my desire to emulate her style,” said Tshepo. As his interest in fashion grew, so did his desire to experiment.“I chose to specialize in denim because of its distinctly nostalgic character, which guides much of my design process,” says Tshepo. Read more about Tshepo here: http://www.tshepothejeanmaker.co.za/about

2. Hloni M

Lehlohonolo Mofokeng better known as Hloni M is a young businessman and an underground rapper from Vereeniging. The hairdresser started his business in 2015. He was inspired by a guy named Knox, a mentor who shared his knowledge and skills in the grooming industry. Hloni worked with Knox for 10 years before taking the leap and starting his own salon. The salon specializes in dreadlock care, styling and maintenance. The multi-talented hairdresser released an EP.

1. Sibusiso Mtshali

Sibusiso Mtshali founded Magalela Multimedia in 2016. The 27 year old, born and bred in Johannesburg, is an entrepreneur, activist, and musician. He started his business at 25. The content creator studied music vocals at Copa, and obtained a diploma in music business.

Magalela Multimedia is spearheaded by professional innovators, with the purpose of producing authentic content which includes photography and videography. They also provide services in artist management, and public relations Their main purpose is to promote cultural idioms to reach out to every person. The vibrant company considers itself as a change agent, tasked with changing the way South African content is viewed.

Which entrepreneurs would make your list? Tell us in the comment section.