Township Economy Shark Tank 2025 in Hammarsdale

On June 10, 2025, the DO MORE FOUNDATION, together with our implementing partner Niya Consulting, hosted a preliminary Shark Tank event in Hammarsdale. This event formed part of our broader Township Economy programme, which is focused on equipping young women with the skills, networks, and confidence to grow businesses that can sustain families and strengthen local economies.

The Shark Tank provided a structured opportunity for women entrepreneurs in our 2024/25 cohort to pitch their businesses. This event has become a learning space , where participants test their ability to articulate their busniess models, showcase products, and explain how they have grown as entrepreneurs and plan to scale. Each woman brought forward a story that demonstrated both practical understanding and deep commitment to their ventures.

Kristen Fenton, Partnerships Manager at The Do More Foundation shared her experience:

"In Hammarsdale, we’ve witnessed something truly powerful — women rising with pride, purpose, and possibility. Through the Township Economy Programme, they’ve not only gained skills but discovered their strength, their voice, and their place as changemakers in their community. Their growth is a testament to what happens when opportunity meets determination — and the future they’re building is nothing short of inspiring."

A showcase of diverse township enterprises

What stood out during the event was the range of industries represented, reflecting how township economies are anchored by diverse, everyday needs , from food to fashion to essential household products. Among the businesses pitched were:

• Baking enterprises such as Kamvelase Bakery and Cakes by Amanda, highlighting demand for affordable, locally made goods for community events and daily use.
• Fashion and accessories, including Bongo’s Bead Boutique and Rare Hand Clothing, bringing local creativity into wearable art.
• Manufacturing and household essentials as Letta, which focuses on producing detergents, demonstrating how township businesses also meet basic household needs.
• Beauty services, like Nozie Nail Studio, which not only create jobs but also contribute to vibrant local economies through repeat, loyal customer bases.
• Fast food and confectionery, seen in businesses like Mashuku ka Ndaleka’s Kitchen and Isabela Creations, offer convenience and small pleasures that build community hubs.

Each entrepreneur pitched with confidence and practical clarity, showing strong understanding of their products, services, and market potential. It was evident that the business and leadership training delivered through the Township Economy programme is helping participants ground their ideas in solid planning and growth strategies.

Recognising standout entrepreneurs

After a thorough evaluation process, nine entrepreneurs were selected to advance to the final Shark Tank, where they’ll pitch to a broader panel of investors and industry experts. Our top nine included:

• Andiswa Shabalala – Kamvelase Bakery
• Nokubonga Khomo – Bongo's Bead Boutique
• Lungile Nyembe – Letta (Manufacturing Detergents)
• Khethiwe Nzuza – Her Very Own (Clothing)
• Selina Caluza – Nozie Nail Studio
• Nokwazi Ngubane – Rare Hand (Clothing)
• Amanda Langa – Cake by Amanda
• Xoliswa Shange – Mashuku ka Ndaleka's Kitchen (Fast Food)
• Thandiwe Mzila – Isabela Creations (Candy and Hair Products)**

These businesses reflect the resilience and ingenuity that often goes unseen in township economies. Many of these women are the primary providers for their households, juggling family responsibilities while pushing their enterprises forward.

This programme was proudly sponsored by PEPKOR Speciality Deliottes and Buckman Laboratories.

Why this matters for local economies

The preliminary Shark Tank was more than just an event , it was a tangible step toward building township-based businesses that can generate employment, circulate money locally, and give rise to more resilient communities. When women gain the tools, networks, and visibility to grow their businesses, the benefits ripple outward: children get better supported, households become more stable, and local spending power increases.

It also demonstrates the strength of working with partners like Pepkor Speciality, whose sustained investment in township enterprise programmes across sites like Hammarsdale and Rustenburg helps transform training into real opportunities. This work goes beyond theory , it puts entrepreneurs in front of decision-makers, tests their readiness, and connects them to pathways for financial support.

As these nine finalists prepare for the final Shark Tank, our focus remains on providing practical, hands-on support to help them refine their pitches and business plans. It’s also about reinforcing the confidence and strategic thinking needed to navigate the complexities of growing a business.

For the DO MORE FOUNDATION, events like this reinforce our belief that enterprise development in townships isn’t just about micro-financing or short-term interventions. It’s about sustained systems of support that blend training, mentorship, market access, and moments like these , where women can stand up, share their vision, and attract the investment that could change the trajectory of their businesses and communities.