Welcome to The Inhlanyelo Hub

Scaling Impact through Strategic Programmes

Among our flagship programmes, the Drone Divas initiative has grown from a single cohort in 2023 to a national movement—training and certifying women in both remote pilot (RPC) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) operations, while also preparing them for entrepreneurial entry into agriculture, construction, and energy sectors, amongst others. Our Bosadi Artisan Programme has similarly taken root, with women 75 women artisans receiving entrepreneurship training and tailored mentorship support for their service-based businesses—for example, plumbers, electricians, and builders to deliver value in their communities. In partnership with Oakfields College, the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme was launched in August 2024 with 16 women designers and the first fashion showcase is planned for May 2025, poised to scale into local garment manufacturing. Planned collaboration with the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Lowell’s Fabric Discovery Centre is opening new doors for innovation in African textiles and fashion retail entrepreneurship.

A Global Footprint: Collaboration in Action

In 2025, the Hub advanced its strategic objective to globalise African innovation. Delegations visited both Georgia Institute of Technology and the UMASS, resulting in key knowledge exchange on sustainability, med-tech incubation, drone manufacturing, and educational innovation. These engagements have begun to bear fruit, with the planning of new joint programmes and shared research infrastructure. We also deepened our role within the Universities South Africa network, particularly through our leadership of the Economic Activation Office—positioning UNISA at the forefront of entrepreneurship development in higher education.

Resilience, Leadership, and Teamwork

2024 has not been without its challenges—scaling programmes while maintaining quality, navigating accreditation pathways, and responding to the digital demands of a rapidly changing landscape. Yet, the Inhlanyelo Hub team has once again shown tremendous resilience. Inhlanyelo Hub’s continued success is underpinned by the strategic guidance of its Board of Directors—chaired by Prof Mathukhu Mogale, and the visionary insights of its Advisory Board. Our Board of Directors, composed of independent and UNISA members, has played a critical role in ensuring sound governance, compliance, and strategic alignment with the university’s broader innovation agenda. Complementing this, our Advisory Board—chaired by Ms Juliana Golemi, a respected global expert in entrepreneurship and innovation—has provided thought leadership on global trends, ecosystem development, and strategic partnerships. Together, these bodies have not only strengthened the Hub’s institutional foundation but have also amplified our credibility and positioning as a leading university-based incubator on the African continent.

I would like to commend the dedication of our leadership and core team: Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Prof Annemarie Davis, Mr Phumelele Mokoena, Ms Nomsa Nkabinde, Mr Amogelang Marengwa, Ms Oageng Mokoka-Nelwamondo, Ms Neliswa Songca, Ms Suzan Nyathi and Ms Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama—each of whom continues to be instrumental in the success of our initiatives. Their expertise and commitment have ensured that our strategies translate into meaningful outcomes for students, alumni, and communities.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead, our focus is fourfold:

• The formal establishment of the Drone Centre of Excellence, a catalytic space for training, innovation, and global partnerships, with support from the University of Massachusetts.
• The launch of our digital platforms—Inhlanyelo Connect, the eFranchise ecosystem, and the Inhlanyelo Incubation and Information Management System (IIMS)—to revolutionize how we scale our impact, breaking geographic barriers and unlocking inclusive access to entrepreneurship support for thousands of aspiring innovators across South Africa and beyond.
• Establish regional innovation centres across Southern Africa to replicate our model and deepen cross-border impact.
• Expand our public-private partnerships, tapping into industry co-investment opportunities to support scale.

As we continue to grow, we remain anchored in our mission: Igniting entrepreneurship and growing sustainable businesses. The future is bright—not just for Inhlanyelo Hub, but for every entrepreneur we support, every partner we collaborate with, and every community we serve.

With gratitude and optimism,

Prof Raphael Tabani Mpofu

Interim CEO, Inhlanyelo Hub NPC