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Inhlanyelo Hub NPC charts strategic path and celebrates innovation

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Inhlanyelo Hub Board members, advisory members, executives and staff shaped the action plan for 2026 and beyond

On Thursday 11 September 2025, leaders, innovators and beneficiaries gathered for the Inhlanyelo Hub NPC Gala Dinner under the theme "Light Up the Night: Empowerment in Action".

The event followed a two-day strategic workshop where board members, advisory members and executives of Inhlanyelo Hub shaped the action plan for 2026 and beyond. The gala brought this work to life, blending strategy with celebration and reaffirming the Hub’s mission to empower entrepreneurs, women and youth across South Africa.

The strategic workshop, facilitated by Dr Derek Shirley, opened with Prof Mathukhu Mogale, Chair of the Inhlanyelo Hub NPC Board, who framed the objectives and set a collaborative tone. Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, unpacked funding realities, Unisa reliance and the 2030 vision for sustainability through greater earned income. Dr Tapiwa Muzata, COO, and Phumelele Mokoena, SME Development Manager, presented revenue growth levers, including Inhlanyelo Connect, Training-as-a-Service and other income streams in the pipeline. Breakaway sessions refined priorities into a 90-day action plan, laying a strong foundation for 2026. Day two focused on aligning Inhlanyelo Hub with discussions on managing risks and building a sustainable ecosystem where African businesses can thrive.


"From strategy to celebration"

The evening gala opened with Prof Zethu Nkosi, Board Member of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, who reminded guests of the organisation’s bold mission: "September is Heritage Month, but for us it also marks a heritage of collaboration. The Inhlanyelo Hub is breaking barriers, nurturing women and youth entrepreneurs, and showing that innovation and opportunity can thrive side by side." She stressed the need to equip graduates not only to seek jobs but to create them, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that drives inclusivity and growth.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from beneficiaries whose journeys reflected the Hub’s impact. Drone Divas pioneers such as Ratolajeso Sekano, founder of Atmosphere, and Happiness Godora, founder of Edu-Drones & STEM Events, inspired delegates with their stories. Fashion entrepreneurs Malebo Somo (Mmadinku label) and Tsholofelo Raphala (TsholoR) impressed with their original creations and testimonies of growth. In a spontaneous show of support, guests pledged R12 000 within minutes to help Tsholofelo expand her business. This is a testament to the impact that Unisa and the Inhlanyelo Hub ecosystem can have on its beneficiaries. Tsholofelo is now able to employ one additional person to expand her clothing label.

Board Member and University of Massachusetts (UMass) Vice-Chancellor, Carl Rust, reflected on the Hub’s international partnerships, announcing a new MoU between Unisa, UMass and the Inhlanyelo Hub. This milestone will expand opportunities and strengthen institutional ties. Muzata closed the evening with a reflection on teamwork, inclusivity and his own journey from volunteer to executive leader. The night concluded with the unveiling of the Inhlanyelo Hub highlights video, which captured milestones achieved in just under three years.

The strategic workshop and gala dinner together marked a defining moment for Inhlanyelo Hub NPC. With a clear action plan, strengthened global partnerships and moving testimonies from beneficiaries, the event showcased not only the Hub’s achievements but also the unwavering commitment of key stakeholders to building a future of opportunity, innovation and collaboration for South Africa and beyond.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, visit https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/  

* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub

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Publish date: 2025-10-09 00:00:00.0

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