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A heritage of entrepreneurship

This year, the CWC is celebrating Heritage Day by reflecting on South Africa's rich heritage of entrepreneurship and innovation

September 2024

This Heritage Day, as we reflect on South Africa’s rich culture and history, we should spare a thought for the culture of entrepreneurship we have cultivated over generations, geography, and local cultures. Our entrepreneurship heritage is as colourful as our rainbow nation – filled with stories of men and women who defied odds, pushed the envelope, and overcame many obstacles in the quest to build businesses and lasting legacies. This includes prominent entrepreneurs such as Raymond Ackerman, Sol Kerzner, Richard Maponya, Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, and Harry Oppenheimer, who were able to build business empires at the height of apartheid and segregation policies.

Over the past 30 years of democracy, South African entrepreneurship has been elevated and demonstrated across sectors. This has given birth to new industries and raised the profile of the country on the international stages, as a leader and a pioneer in specific sectors. Through perseverance and focus, many of these entrepreneurs became pathfinders and trendsetters, launching major brands, pioneering enterprises, and world class products that have transformed the lives of many South Africans, while creating wealth and employment opportunities. 

Innovators big and small

Since the dawn of democracy, we have witnessed the best of South Africa’s innovative spirit and entrepreneurship, spanning across diverse industries including manufacturing, financial services, information and technology, as well as renewable energy. Some of these innovations have not only created wealth for the founders but have radically transformed the industries and positively impacted the lives of many people. Take the invention of the Smartlock safety syringe, which was invented in 1999. This revolutionary syringe with three parts offers enhanced protection against injury and infection, thus saving millions of lives.

South African innovation is also demonstrated in one of our most developed and successful sectors: banking or financial services. Innovative brands such as Capitec and Tyme Banks have increased access to banking services for the millions of unbanked people in the country, while also reducing costs and simplifying the banking experience. This kind of institutional entrepreneurship, or intrapreneurship perhaps, is an essential part of increasing economic participation at scale.

On the microscale, in our day to day lives, we see ordinary South Africans demonstrating their industriousness despite major challenges of poverty. Look no further than the waste collectors across our communities who are responsible for redirecting waste materials for recycling, reuse, and transformation into new products. This resourcefulness empowers countless micro-entrepreneurs to add even more value through upcycling. For example, Matswi Steel Creations, transforms oil drums and scrap geysers into braai stands and smokers. An extra hat tip to founder Matome Maphala on this Braai Day.

Continuing a legacy of innovation

Our heritage of innovation continues to thrive in 2024. South Africa is a country alive with possibility, especially for disruptors and problem-solvers who are pushing to fill the gaps in the market and serve more South Africans, whether it is with financial services, education, small business support, or retail. Here at the Case Writing Centre, we celebrate the many South African entrepreneurs, big and small, who are proudly embracing a legacy of inventiveness and industry to grow the economy and change lives.

by Luvuyo Mncanca