Building Healthcare for Africa’s Future with Zanele Matome (Welo)
Zanele Abraham Matome, the visionary founder of Welo Health — a platform revolutionizing healthcare access across South Africa and the SADC region.From growing up in communities with limited healthcare, to building a nationwide gig-economy model connecting nurses, doctors, and patients, Zanele shares her remarkable journey of purpose, innovation, and resilience.We dive into her early lessons as a mining contractor, her bold pivot into healthtech, and the mindset shifts that helped her transform personal experiences into a scalable solution recognized by global institutions like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Zanele also unpacks the key differences between building a startup in South Africa versus Silicon Valley, the real challenges founders face on the continent, and what it takes to create impactful ventures that blend human touch and technology.
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57:02
Unlocking South Africa’s Township Economy with Bulelani Balabala (TEA)
Bulelani Balabala is the founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), a platform that has supported over 50,000 township entrepreneurs with access to skills, mentorship, and markets.From humble beginnings selling sweets and fat cakes to building one of the country’s most impactful entrepreneurship platforms, Bulelani has made it his mission to empower the 1.8 million informal businesses that drive the township economy. Through TEA, he’s provided access to information, mentorship, funding, and markets to over 50,000 entrepreneurs across the country.We explore the untapped potential of the township economy, the structural challenges holding it back, and what it will take to unlock growth, scale impact, and build a more inclusive economic future. Bulelani also shares what’s next — from launching The Township Entrepreneurs Guide to hosting the Township Economy Summit and Awards.This episode is a deep dive into real grassroots innovation, resilience, and what it truly means to build for community.
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How Startup Club ZA is Building South Africa’s Largest Startup Community with Mathew Marsden (Startup Club ZA)
Startup Club ZA is changing the game for South African founders—fostering connections, unlocking opportunities, and accelerating growth in the local startup ecosystem. In this episode, we sit down with founder Mathew Marsden to talk about the journey of building SCZA, the lessons learned along the way, and the community’s impact on scaling startups.We also dive into their latest milestone—launching South Africa’s first $1 million startup pitch event, The Big Pitch 2025. This is more than just a competition; it’s a defining moment for the country’s next generation of tech founders.
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Empowering Entrepreneurs to Master Sales with Michelle Lima (Resonate Hub)
Resonate Hub is changing the game for entrepreneurs, equipping them with the sales skills and business strategies needed to thrive. In this episode, we sit down with founder & CEO Michelle Lima to talk about her journey—from learning sales in her parents’ business to building a global platform that helps entrepreneurs scale.We dive into the mindset shifts needed for growth, the biggest mistakes people make when selling, and how Resonate Hub is opening doors for small businesses to think and build globally.🎧 Listen now on Spotify & share this with builders who need to hear it!
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Growing South Africa's Agriculture Economy with Karidas Tshintsholo (Khula!)
Khula! is transforming the agricultural landscape in South Africa, making it easier for farmers to access markets and grow their businesses. In this episode, we sit down with founder & CEO Karidas Tshintsholo to talk about the journey of building Khula!, the challenges of scaling an agri-tech startup, and their latest milestone—raising R126 million in Series A funding.This is more than just a funding announcement—it’s a story of impact, resilience, and the future of Africa’s agricultural economy.🎧 Listen now on Spotify & share this with builders who need to hear it!
Building community for South Africa’s opportunity creators, solution builders, and entrepreneurs. In each episode, we dive into the process—unpacking practical lessons and candid journeys of Africa’s next generation of builders as they navigate the realities of starting and growing what they believe in. From tough challenges to game-changing breakthroughs, we uncover what it truly takes to build impactful businesses that shape South Africa and beyond. Join a community of builders and find resources, mentorship, and opportunities at www.mashstartsup.co.za
South Africa