Umnotho Wethu meaning “Our Economy” — is a township economic development initiative focused on turning the collective strength, resources and potential of township communities into sustainable businesses and economic opportunities.
We believe the township economy does not lack entrepreneurs, ideas or ambition. What it often lacks is access to structured opportunities, collective capital, practical business knowledge, networks and platforms that enable businesses to grow.
Umnotho Wethu Township Group exists to help change that.
We create opportunities for community members to participate in the ownership and development of township retail businesses through structured community contributions.
We enable participating businesses to contribute towards one another through a structured weekly contribution cycle, providing entrepreneurs with access to a meaningful capital injection when it is their turn.
Through speaking engagements, consulting, workshops and educational programmes, we equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to start, operate and grow successful township businesses.
Our Retail Store Division is built on a simple idea: the community should not only shop in its local economy — it should have the opportunity to own part of it.
Through our community investment model, participating shareholders contribute towards the establishment and development of a local spaza shop operating within the Umnotho Wethu ecosystem.
The Business Owners Stokvel is designed for township entrepreneurs who understand that sometimes the biggest barrier to growing a business is not the lack of ambition — it is access to capital at the right time.
Each participating business contributes per week. During each round, the pooled contributions are allocated equally to one participating member, providing that business with a larger injection of capital to use towards its development.
Thabang is a township economy advocate, motivational speaker, business consultant and educator focused on helping people understand, enter and grow within the township economy.
Through speaking engagements, business consulting, educational programmes and media, Thabang brings practical township business knowledge directly to entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and organisations interested in understanding the opportunities within township markets.
Thabang is also developing practical training content designed for people who want to learn about starting and operating businesses within the township economy.
The training programme is designed to turn experience into accessible knowledge giving aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from practical township business realities rather than relying solely on theory.
Building a Strong Network of Township-Owned Retail Businesses.
Umnotho Wethu Group of Investments focuses on creating and expanding township retail businesses through structured investment and community participation.
The division creates opportunities for communities and investors to participate in the development of township retail stores, community-owned stores and retail investment projects, while working towards a stronger township supply chain.
Our vision is to build a network of professionally structured, sustainable and scalable township businesses that create economic activity within the communities they serve.
Our focus areas:
To build a strong network of township-owned retail businesses.
Connecting Township Entrepreneurs to Opportunities.
KasiPreneur Community Network is focused on creating a connected network of township entrepreneurs who can support, trade with, learn from and grow alongside one another.
The network creates platforms for entrepreneurs to connect with business opportunities, markets, knowledge and each other while encouraging collaboration rather than isolation.
Through programmes, networking activities and community initiatives, KasiPreneur helps create an environment where township entrepreneurs can build relationships and access opportunities that can contribute to the growth of their businesses.
Our focus areas:
To create a connected network of township entrepreneurs who support, trade with and grow one another.
Pooling Resources. Building Businesses. Growing Together.
Business Stokvel & Financial Services creates structured opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities to pool resources and use their collective financial power to support business development.
Our business stokvel model brings entrepreneurs together through disciplined contributions, allowing participating businesses to support one another through a structured cycle of collective financial contributions.
The division also explores opportunities around group savings, investment clubs, business funding models and community investment initiatives, helping entrepreneurs develop a stronger culture of collective financial participation.
Our focus areas:
To help communities pool resources and use collective financial power to build businesses and assets.
Turning Knowledge into Business.
KasiPreneur Business Academy provides practical education and training designed to equip aspiring and existing township entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to start, operate and grow businesses.
Our programmes focus on practical township business realities, giving entrepreneurs access to knowledge that can help them make better decisions, improve their operations and identify opportunities for growth.
From starting a spaza shop to understanding business management, our training is designed to turn knowledge into practical action and practical action into sustainable enterprise.
Our focus areas:
To equip ordinary people with the practical skills needed to start, operate and grow profitable township businesses.
Learn the essentials of starting, setting up and successfully opening your own spaza shop.
Strengthen your existing business with better systems, funding access and supplier opportunities.
Learn how to structure, formalise and prepare your business for crowdfunding and community investment.
