The Soshanguve Mall in Tshwane has launched an initiative to empower young entrepreneurs by offering them formal exposure, business support and a chance to grow their businesses.
The campaign, #YouthBizAtSoshanguveMall, invites young creatives and business owners in Soshanguve to showcase their work on social media for a chance to win prizes, including a pop-up stall at the mall, marketing support and business tools for funding. This is part of the mall’s Youth Month celebrations.
Speaking to Vutivi News, Soshanguve Mall Centre manager Mosa Mphuthi, said: “At its core, the motivation is to inspire growth, visibility and confidence among the youth, especially those striving to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.”
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Mphuthi said they recognised the untapped talent in the township and wanted to provide a meaningful opportunity for young people to shine.
The campaign has sparked enthusiasm among local youth, with dozens of entries pouring in from different sectors, ranging from cleaning materials and gaming interactions to print and design services.
Chazile Shongwe, the owner of Rato Cleaning Chemicals, said winning the competition would bring her one step closer to her long-held dream of supplying big companies.
“Ever since I started my business, I have always dreamt of opening a shop, so winning this will have a great impact on my business as I will be able to employ at least one person to help me. And it will also give my business a chance to grow and expand as a young entrepreneur,” said Shongwe.
Brandon Mashaba, founder of Reagile Gaming Interactions, was drawn to the campaign by a vision to bring premium gaming experiences to township youth.
“We specialise in PlayStation and Xbox setups, and I’ve always dreamt of placing our gaming units inside malls so that kids from the township can access high-quality gaming,” he said.
Mashaba also believes that winning a stall in the mall and business support will be a game-changer.
“It would give us a physical space where people can see and experience our gaming cabinets. Overall, it would move us closer to our goal of expanding into more townships and creating a positive impact through gaming,” said Mashaba.
Kingsley Hlungwane, the founder of Nkoka Printing House in Mabopane, said the campaign came at the right time.
“Winning an in-mall stall would significantly increase our visibility and foot traffic, allowing us to serve walk-in clients more efficiently,” Hlungwane said.
“This business support will also help us secure essential equipment like a large format printer, which would cut outstanding costs and allow us to deliver faster. Ultimately, it would increase profitability and create employment,” said Hlungwane.
Beyond the competition, Mphuthi believes the campaign will highlight a shift in how malls and private-sector spaces can play an active role in supporting township economies.
“On a broader scale, supporting small and emerging businesses directly contributes to township economic development. When we empower young business owners, we stimulate job creation, keep money circulating within the community, and contribute to a more resilient local economy,” he said.
