The Silulo Business Incubation Centre in Mitchells Plain, a Vodacom Business and Silulo Ulutho Technologies partnership, was built to digitise township SMEs. It’s grown alongside its parent company, Silulo Ulutho Technologies, which now runs 46 centres across South African townships with a target of 200.
What is the Silulo Business Incubation Centre and who is it for?
Launched in April 2018 through a partnership between Silulo Ulutho Technologies and Vodacom Business, the centre in Mitchells Plain gives township-based entrepreneurs a dedicated workspace: a co-working space, dedicated receptionist, WiFi, meeting rooms, and access to training and networking events, all aimed at helping SMEs in the surrounding areas become fully digitised and more productive. The original launch is covered in more detail in our report on the SME Incubation Centre’s Mitchells Plain launch.
Who founded it, and what’s the origin story behind it?
Luvuyo Rani, co-founder and CEO of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, started the parent business in 2004 selling refurbished computers out of the boot of his car, after being robbed at gunpoint and turned down by multiple banks for funding. Two decades later, Rani runs an award-winning social enterprise that has expanded from that single car boot into 46 centres across South African townships, with a stated goal of reaching 200.
How is the incubation centre actually funded and supported?
Vodacom Business committed to covering part of the centre’s costs for its first year, and the incubator’s own model depends on occupancy: it began at 70% capacity, still working toward break-even in its early phase. The centre’s core offering leans on the Vodacom Business product suite specifically to help SMEs digitise operations they’d otherwise run manually.
What training does the centre actually provide?
Beyond workspace, the centre runs a digital skills course for SMEs, cybersecurity training and entrepreneurship courses, delivered through partnerships with UWC Co-Labs and TSiBA. Rani has been direct that this training focus, not just space, is where he sees the biggest opportunity: skilling township SMEs in digital capability at scale.
What does the centre actually do for walk-in entrepreneurs, not just resident businesses?
Part of the centre’s mandate is directing township entrepreneurs toward programmes and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise hear about, effectively acting as a connector between local business owners and funding, training or partnership opportunities elsewhere in the ecosystem. Rani has described this as opening doors that wouldn’t otherwise be visible to entrepreneurs operating outside more connected, urban networks.
Has the model scaled beyond Mitchells Plain?
Yes, substantially. What started as a single centre has grown into Silulo Ulutho Technologies’ broader network of 46 centres across South African townships, with Rani’s own target set at 200, evidence that the Mitchells Plain model was treated as a template to replicate rather than a one-off pilot.
Frequently asked questions
Who can access the Silulo Business Incubation Centre?
Township-based entrepreneurs in and around Mitchells Plain, through co-working space, training, mentorship and networking events.
Is the centre free to use?
Vodacom Business subsidised part of the centre’s costs in its early stages; specific current pricing and eligibility should be confirmed directly with Silulo Ulutho Technologies.
Does Silulo only operate in Mitchells Plain?
No. The parent company, Silulo Ulutho Technologies, now runs 46 centres across South African townships, with an active plan to expand toward 200.
What kind of training is available at the centre?
Digital skills for SMEs, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship courses, delivered in partnership with UWC Co-Labs and TSiBA.
Originally published in January 2019. Updated September 2026.
