South Africa is home to some of the best businesses and brands in the world. These businesses have put in the hard work and are now household names. It’s important for South Africans to recognise and celebrate these South African businesses that are making waves.
Celebrating these black-owned businesses helps shine a light on them and motivate those who are starting out. This helps them see that success is achievable and it’s not just one thing. Instead, it is a combination of many elements working together.
In this article, we look at five black-owned businesses in South Africa that are making waves. We celebrate the thinkers, innovators and doers paving the way for others in South Africa.
1. Thebe Magugu
Thebe Magugu is a South African fashion designer and brand that has taken the world by storm. Known for its captivating women’s- and menswear line, the brand has been worn by global superstars such as Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Campbell, Rihanna and Kylie Jenner amongst many others.
The brand’s growth really took off after founder Thebe Magugu was the first African designer to win the prestigious 2019 LVMH prize for emerging talent. Since then, the brand has grown to staggering heights and recently opened its Thebe Magugu House in Johannesburg.
2. Yococo
Founded in 2016, Yococo is a vegan-friendly ice cream company. Founder Sine Ndlela started the company in her apartment after giving up dairy.
The dairy-free products at YoCoco are unique and tasty. Featuring flavours such as beetroot chocolate, golden milk, salted caramel and vanilla amongst others. On its website, the company says its flavours are based on the seven chakras, and each flavour comes with a related affirmation.
Yococo products are sold in various stores around South Africa. The company also does deliveries every Tuesday and Thursday.
3. Siwela Wines
Siwela Wines is a South African female black-owned wine company. Its founder Siwela Masoga is a biotechnologist born in Soweto and raised in Marulaneng-Ga-Mphahlele, a small village in Limpopo.
Masoga was inspired to get into winemaking because of her university majors in microbiology and fermentation. Thereafter, Masoga went through a series of internships and full-time and part-time roles within the wine industry in Stellenbosch. Through her experience and further education, Masoga soon established Siwela Wines.
Now the company’s wines are available at top retailers such as Spar, and Makro and on the e-commerce platform takealot.
4. Precious Celebrations
Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko is a renowned event planner. The savvy businesswoman is one of Africa’s most sought-after wedding planners and event designers. As founder of Precious Celebrations, she has planned and produced over 300 weddings and events (private and corporate).
Precious Celebrations has put on some of the best events and weddings in Africa. From the launch of the House of BNG to the launch of Skins Cosmetics. Precious uses all +17 years of her experience to bring to life the vision of her customers.
In addition to the wedding and event planning, Precious Celebrations also does bespoke gifting packages. These gifts are tailored to fit the theme, colours and overall vibe of the celebration or event.
5. Botlhale AI
Botlhale AI is a South African software company that specialises in conversational AI. The company was founded by Thapelo Nthite and his co-founders founded the company under the belief that language should not be a barrier to accessing digital services.
Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools, the company has designed a suite of NLP tools for African languages. The team is currently working on expanding its NLP suite to support more African languages.
Botlhale AI pictures a future where it operates in many countries and builds an NLP suite which is supported in many countries. The company wants to support the 75 languages spoken by 300 million.
These businesses are making waves in South Africa. They continue to showcase innovation, creativity and ambition to be the best in the world.
You can also become part of the wavemakers in South Africa with your black-owned business. Begin with a solid business plan, outline where in the market you want your business to be, register your business and get started.
Remember, you can get funding for almost any type of business. You can get government grants, private investment or help from family and friends.
For more information on successful businesses, read our article about the Top 10 Most Successful Businesses to Start in South Africa. Visit the advice page to book an appointment with one of our experts.
