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Inhlanyelo Hub celebrates rural entrepreneurship development
In 2024, Inhlanyelo Hub and the Marico Biosphere Reserve came together to sign a three-year memorandum of understanding, which led to a six-month entrepreneurial development programme in the Marico community, launched in October 2024. This initiative is already creating a lasting impact, helping local entrepreneurs build successful businesses while respecting the environment and culture of the region.
(From left) Amo Marengwa, Learning Coordinator: Inhlanyelo Hub, Oestern Sebako, CEO: OSKEL CORP, and Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Chief Operating Officer: Inhlanyelo Hub
The Inhlanyelo Hub Marico Biosphere Reserve Entrepreneurship Project aims to develop a sustainable economic system in the area. By providing local communities with knowledge, resources, and practical tools, the project supports the growth of new businesses that are environmentally friendly, inclusive, and economically resilient.
Through this project, the entrepreneurs – now affectionately called "Maricopreneurs" – have participated in workshops focused on business development, with plenty of hands-on activities and homework. The programme’s facilitator, Amo Marengwa, praised the participants for their hard work and dedication. Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Chief Operating Officer of the Inhlanyelo Hub, confirmed that the celebration event was an acknowledgment of the entrepreneurs' efforts. The next step will be a Business Model Canvas Bootcamp, designed to refine their business ideas and prepare them for long-term success. Professor Annemarie Davis, the Project Coordinator, believes the programme will have a positive impact on rural entrepreneurship and shared that the event also provided a valuable opportunity for direct feedback from the entrepreneurs themselves.
One such success story is ApexArm Printing, founded by Tshepo Molatole in 2022. Located in Groot Marico, ApexArm Printing addresses a large gap in the community by offering essential services such as printing, scanning, typing, and internet access – services that were previously unavailable locally, requiring residents to travel to the nearest town. Despite being relatively new, the business has already gained traction and is known for its reliability, even offering after-hours services when needed. The company’s vision for the future includes expanding its services to include laminating, poster design and printing, business registration, courier services, and more.
Another notable success story within the Marico community is OSKEL CORP (Pty) Ltd, a dynamic multi-sectoral company founded on 17 November 2023 by Oestern Sebako and Kelsey Loeto. The name "OSKEL" is a fusion of their names – "Os" from Oestern and "Kel" from Kelsey – and reflects their shared vision and passion for creating impactful, community-driven services. With a strong focus on addressing food security and skills development, OSKEL CORP operates across three main sectors: catering, agriculture, and educational programs.
In the catering sector, OSKEL provides professional services for events, schools, and government functions, ensuring that the community’s needs are met with high-quality and reliable food services. In agriculture, OSKEL is engaged in small-scale crop production, with a focus on sustainable practices and community food relief. Their agricultural efforts aim not only to increase food availability but also to promote environmentally responsible farming techniques. Additionally, OSKEL offers educational programmes focused on computer literacy, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and various other skills development workshops, all designed to uplift the local community and foster personal and professional growth.
Looking ahead, OSKEL plans to scale its operations and expand its agricultural footprint through strategic partnerships and innovation. OSKEL CORP is poised to make a lasting impact on the continent by driving sustainable livelihoods and fostering economic development in underserved areas.
Back, from left: Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Chief Operating Officer: Inhlanyelo Hub, Beatrice van der Merwe, Marico Biosphere Reserve Management Authority, Daan van der Merwe, Marico Biosphere Reserve Management Authority, Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader: Inhlanyelo Hub, Amo Marengwa, Learning Coordinator: Inhlanyelo Hub, Solomon Tembo, Neo Tsatsane, Irvin Noga, Darius Masoko, Phemelo Tshelapedi, and Oageng Dankie Front, from left: Mothusi Molefe, Lesego Kedige, Mmapula Kotsedi, Thabo Masemola, Tshepo Molatole, Kagiso Mogapi, and Suzana Nyathi, Administrator: Inhlanyelo Hub
This project is part of a three-year memorandum of understanding, with a focus on developing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets among micro and small businesses in the Marico area. A key achievement has been the successful training of 14 young entrepreneurs through the Ide8tion programme, equipping them with the skills needed to turn their ideas into viable, successful businesses.
For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, visit: https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/
* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub
Publish date: 2025-04-15 00:00:00.0
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