A major initiative focused on strengthening township businesses is set to arrive in Mahikeng, North West, following a milestone achievement that highlights its growing national impact.
The Township Entrepreneurs Agency (TEA) has confirmed that the 51st edition of its Kasi Pitching Challenge will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The event follows the successful 50th edition held during the TEA Kasi Business Workshop in Gugulethu, Western Cape, and continues the organisation’s efforts to support township enterprises through funding, mentorship and practical business education.
Programme Has Grown Into a National Platform
Since launching in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, in 2022, the Kasi Pitching Challenge has expanded from a local entrepreneurship initiative into a nationwide programme designed to help township business owners overcome common barriers to growth.
Beyond offering grant funding, the initiative provides participants with access to experienced mentors, networking opportunities, business exposure and potential new markets, giving entrepreneurs the tools needed to build sustainable enterprises.
Millions Invested Into Township Enterprises
Over the past four years, the programme has recorded significant achievements aimed at stimulating local economies and supporting young business owners.
According to TEA, the initiative has:
- Created more than 3,321 employment opportunities for young people.
- Awarded grant funding to 52 township entrepreneurs.
- Invested more than R2.54 million into township businesses.
- Opened procurement opportunities for over 600 black-owned youth enterprises.
Organisers say these outcomes demonstrate that targeted support can generate lasting economic benefits within township communities.
Practical Business Training Remains a Core Focus
The upcoming Mahikeng workshop forms part of TEA’s ongoing “How to Series,” which concentrates on practical solutions entrepreneurs can immediately apply to improve and expand their businesses.
The sessions are designed to equip participants with business management skills, growth strategies and industry insights while encouraging innovation and sustainable enterprise development.
Former Winner Builds Million-Rand Children’s Salon Brand
One of the programme’s standout success stories is Bonolo Monakedi, founder of Entle Kiddies Hair Salon.
After winning the Kasi Pitching Challenge in 2023, Monakedi transformed her single township salon into a franchise business with four operating branches.
Each outlet is valued at approximately R250,000, taking the company‘s estimated value beyond R1 million.
Her expansion illustrates how financial support combined with strategic guidance can help township businesses scale beyond their original communities.
AgriKey Records Major Sales Growth After Winning Challenge
Western Cape entrepreneur Khaya Burwana has also experienced rapid business growth since participating in the programme.
The founder of AgriKey won the competition in 2024 and says the experience gave him greater confidence to approach larger commercial clients.
Since then, the business has increased sales by more than 200%, created seven new jobs, secured supply agreements with several schools, showcased products in Woolworths stores across South Africa and achieved a retail listing with SPAR Khayelitsha.
Burwana credits TEA’s support with helping accelerate the company’s expansion.
Funding Helps Catering Business Expand Operations
Another beneficiary, Vutlhari Maphophe, founder of Papa Jones in Limpopo, has also reported measurable improvements after winning the 2025 edition of the challenge.
Using funding received through the programme, Maphophe purchased equipment that enhanced the company’s pop-up catering services.
Combined with business masterclasses offered by TEA, the investment has helped increase sales by 35% over the past three months.
The business has also created two part-time jobs and secured a partnership to provide catering services at a mining expo, marking another step in its continued growth.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs Through Long-Term Support
TEA believes the achievements of previous participants demonstrate the value of combining financial assistance with mentorship, business education and professional networking.
Rather than focusing solely on grant funding, the organisation aims to create long-term opportunities that enable township businesses to grow, generate employment and contribute to South Africa’s broader economic development.
Applications Open for Upcoming Challenge
Registration is now open for entrepreneurs wishing to participate in the Mahikeng edition of the Kasi Pitching Challenge.
Business owners attending the workshop will have an opportunity to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, connect with industry experts and compete for funding that could help take their businesses to the next stage of growth.
