Johannesburg, 18 August 2026 – Eleven township businesses have generated more than R14.4 million in revenue, created 38 employment opportunities, secured over R1.15 million in contracts, and received a combined R160,000 in funding from The Townships Project for the procurement of company assets after completing the first Kagiso Hub Incubation Enterprise Development Programme. These outcomes were achieved through the Kagiso Incubation Hub, Property Point’s flagship township-based enterprise development centre, established in 2023 in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). Located in Kagiso Township on Gauteng’s West Rand, the Hub provides practical business support, technical training, co-working facilities, and specialised workshops, equipping township entrepreneurs to build competitive, sustainable businesses while driving inclusive local economic development.
The two-year programme aims to strengthen township enterprises through business incubation and skills development, the programme has supported eleven businesses based in Kagiso and surrounding areas with nine businesses graduating, with 45% of participating enterprises being women-owned with a graduation rate of 82%.
Collectively, the businesses have created 21 full-time and 17 part-time jobs, demonstrating the vital role township entrepreneurs play in addressing South Africa’s unemployment challenge.
Shawn Theunissen, Founder of Property Point, said supporting small businesses on their journey towards sustainability and growth was vital to empowerment and transformation.
“The results achieved by this first cohort demonstrate that when entrepreneurs are given the right support, they build resilient businesses that create jobs, unlock economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Sandile Longwe, Incubation manager SEDFA, added that the investment into these small businesses was immeasurable.
“At SEDFA, we believe sustainable entrepreneurship is built through the right partnerships,” said Longwe. “The programme has equipped these entrepreneurs with the skills, compliance, mentorship and market access they need to build competitive businesses, create jobs and contribute to local economic development.”
The graduation ceremony recognised businesses that demonstrated exceptional growth and impact throughout the programme
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy,” said Deon Govender, Executive Manager: Local Economic Development, Mogale City Local Municipality, where the hub is situated. “A thriving township economy is essential to the future growth of Mogale City. As local businesses become more competitive, they create jobs, stimulate economic activity and keep wealth circulating within our communities. The Kagiso Incubation Hub Enterprise Development Programme demonstrates how strategic partnerships can unlock the potential of township entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable local economic development,” said Govender
The Top Performing Business received R50,000, the runner-up business received R30,000, and the third-place business received R20,000, while each of the remaining six graduating businesses received R10,000 in recognition of successfully completing the programme.
“At The Townships Project, we view enterprise development as a catalyst for broader economic transformation. Our focus is not only on helping township businesses survive, but on enabling enterprises to build capacity, access markets, create employment and contribute meaningfully to local economic growth. The R160,000 allocated to the graduating Kagiso businesses towards the procurement of company assets is a strategic investment in strengthening their operational capacity and positioning them for sustainable growth. By supporting entrepreneurs with targeted enterprise development and resources that respond to their business needs, we are helping to build more resilient enterprises and strengthen the foundations of a sustainable township economy. We are proud to support these entrepreneurs as they take the next step in their growth journey.” — Martha Deacon, Founder & CEO, The Townships Project
The Top Performing Business was SAMCON Construction led by founder Samuel Mokgothu. He transformed the business from a founder-dependent operation into a systems-driven enterprise, increasing annual revenue through leadership development, technical training and ISO certification support.
“Joining the Kagiso Hub Incubation Enterprise Development Programme transformed the way I approach business,” said Mokgothu. “It taught me to move from working in the business to working on the business by putting the right systems, leadership and processes in place. The support and mentorship have helped us build a stronger, more sustainable company, and I hope more entrepreneurs can benefit from programmes like this.”
The programme also celebrated the achievements of the following businesses, each of which successfully completed the journey:
- Keokotulo Holdings: the runner-up winner, an electrical installation and solar PV solutions business led by founder Boitumelo Maseko, which strengthened its brand, compliance and market readiness to diversify beyond government contracts into the private sector.
- Chipwell Automotive Enterprise: the third-place winner, an automotive repair business that successfully rebuilt after the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening its financial management and operational systems to grow revenue to nearly R900 000.
- Rebakgone Construction: an engineering and construction company led by founder Mannye Seletina Mejelo, which enhanced its operational systems and quality management processes, enabling it to secure larger contracts in the mining sector.
- Tshireletso Construction and Projects: a civil works, plumbing and building maintenance company led by founder Sandra Sebothoma, whose resilience and determination helped the business diversify beyond government tenders and successfully expand into the mining industry.
- Creative Cultural Enterprise: a plumbing, general building and maintenance company led by founder Jolene, which strengthened its competitiveness through business development support, technical training and confidence-building to unlock new market opportunities.
- Goodman Plumbing: a domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing company that formalised its operations through the programme, becoming a licensed plumbing business with specialised expertise in solar geyser installations.
- Gradient Projects: a facilities maintenance and property management company led by Thabiso Modiselle, which rebuilt its business through strengthened compliance, financial management and governance, positioning it for sustainable growth.
- Sticks Stainless Style: an automotive repair business that formalised its operations through the programme, with its founder becoming the first qualified diesel mechanic in his family and strengthening the business’s technical capabilities.
“These businesses are proof that investing in township entrepreneurs delivers measurable economic impact. Their achievements set a benchmark for future cohorts and reinforce the importance of sustained enterprise development in building inclusive economic growth,” concludes Theunissen.
The graduation marks the successful completion of the first cohort of the Kagiso Hub Incubation Enterprise Development Programme and reinforces the commitment of Property Point, SEDFA and their partners to developing competitive township enterprises that create jobs, strengthen local economies and drive inclusive economic growth across South Africa.
Apply for the Property Point Enterprise Development Programme here: https://propertypoint.org.za/apply-now/
