Authored by: Phumlaphi Rita Zwane | SA Rainbow News | 26th Nov 2025

It was an honour to be part of the Township Economy Awards, an official G20 StartUp20 Side Event. Tonight marks a defining shift — a recognition that the township economy is not a footnote but a powerful driving force. The world is no longer looking at us with pity; it is watching with interest, curiosity, and respect.

#TownshipEconomy #G20StartUp20

For decades, township entrepreneurs have built without applause. Today, we build with the world watching. The inclusion of this event in a global programme proves that what we create in our communities holds international relevance and transformative potential.

#GlobalRelevance #InnovationFromTheTownship

MY JOURNEY

People see Imbizo Shisanyama today, but few know the depth of the journey that brought it to life. Before the brand became a success story, there was a woman fighting against fear, doubt, limited resources, and societal expectations. My journey was not built on comfort — it was built on courage.

#EntrepreneurialJourney #CourageToStart

As I’ve shared in my book Conquering the Poverty of the Mind, I learned that poverty is not only economic; it is psychological. It is the voice that whispers, “Don’t dream too big.” It is the doubt that says, “People like you don’t succeed.” I had to silence that voice long before anyone else believed in me.
— Phumlaphi Rita Zwane (MaZwane)

#MindsetShift #ConqueringThePovertyOfTheMind

I started when many said a township restaurant could never attract professionals or tourists. I started knowing that banks might reject me — and many did. But I refused to reject myself.

#BelieveInYourself #BreakingBarriers

THE DNA OF A TOWNSHIP ENTREPRENEUR

Success in the township economy requires a unique entrepreneurial DNA:
RESILIENCE — rising every time life knocks you down.
RESOURCEFULNESS — turning backyards into factories and ideas into livelihoods.
COURAGE — beginning before you feel ready, failing, learning, and continuing.

This DNA is not theoretical; it is forged daily in the realities of our communities.

#TownshipDNA #ResilienceAndCourage

BECOMING A FIGHTER

Every entrepreneur must carry the spirit of a fighter. We do not fight people — we fight circumstances, stereotypes, doubt, and fear.

#FighterSpirit #EntrepreneurMindset

I fought for funding.
I fought for recognition.
I fought for my vision to be taken seriously.
And often, I fought simply to keep the doors open.

Your business will only grow as high as you grow. Strengthen yourself, sharpen your vision, and build the courage your dream demands.

#GrowYourVision #StrengthInAdversity

THE TOWNSHIP ECONOMY TODAY

Most SMMEs operate within townships, making this economy dynamic, resilient, and deeply connected to community realities. Township entrepreneurship is not just about survival — it creates jobs, uplifts families, and ignites innovation.

#SMMEs #CommunityEconomy

Township entrepreneurs face challenges that shape their grit and determination:
FORMALISATION — transitioning from informal to compliant, sustainable enterprises.
BRAND-BUILDING — growing brands that compete beyond local markets.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL & MARKETS — navigating systems that often underestimate township potential.
LEGACY & GENERATIONAL WEALTH — turning success into a lasting inheritance.

#BusinessGrowth #GenerationalWealth

These challenges shape entrepreneurs who are bold, innovative, and determined to leave a legacy.

#LegacyBuilders #TownshipInnovation

THE WORLD IS WATCHING

Our partnership with the G20 StartUp20 is intentional. Global leaders are studying how township businesses thrive with limited infrastructure, how community and commerce align naturally, how micro-enterprises create rapid employment, and how culture shapes economic models.

#GlobalAttention #EconomicInnovation

Township entrepreneurs are not waiting to be invited — we are stepping confidently into global relevance.
We are rising.

#RisingFromTheTownship

#GlobalStage #ConfidentEntrepreneurs

MESSAGE TO FINALISTS AND WINNERS

To the finalists and winners of the Township Economy Awards: you are proof that excellence is determined not by location, but by intention. Your businesses uplift communities, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation.

#TownshipChampions #InspiringEntrepreneurs

But tonight is not your arrival — it is your launchpad. Use this recognition to refine your systems, build strong partnerships, scale your brand, and strengthen your legacy. You carry not just your dreams, but the dreams of those who will follow.

#ScalingUp #BuildingLegacy

CLOSING

Remember: everything you need to succeed is already within you. Your resilience, your creativity, and your courage were shaped long before your business was born.

#InnerStrength #EntrepreneurialSpirit

Believe in the value of where you come from.
Build with excellence.
Grow your entrepreneurial DNA.
Fight for your dream — because when you fight for it, your dream fights for you.

The township economy is rising with confidence, pride, and power. Its impact will echo far beyond our borders, proving that what begins in our communities can change the world.

#TownshipRising #ChangeMakers

Ngiyabonga.
Founder & CEO of Township Entrepreneur’s Alliance (TEA)
Bulelani Balabala, with MaZwane at the Tembisa Economy Awards.