The second day of the Township & Village Tourism Expo, held on 7 March at The Soshanguve Hotel, transformed into a vibrant Entrepreneur Picnic where local businesses proudly showcased their products and services.
The event brought together entrepreneurs from across townships and surrounding communities, demonstrating the diversity and innovation that exists within South Africa’s small business ecosystem. From tourism services and handcrafted goods to wellness products and food enterprises, the picnic highlighted how township entrepreneurs are building sustainable businesses while contributing to local economic development.
The showcase also formed part of broader efforts by the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) to empower township and village enterprises by giving them a platform to promote their products, connect with potential customers, and strengthen their presence in the tourism value chain.
Tourism and Transport Services Supporting Local Travel
Among the businesses exhibiting was Odirile Shuttle and Tours, a tourism transport and tour services provider offering reliable shuttle services and curated travel experiences.
Focused on safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, the company provides travel solutions for visitors exploring tourism destinations around Pretoria and beyond. Through curated tours and transport services, Odirile Shuttle and Tours contributes to the growth of local tourism while making travel easier for visitors and residents alike.
Customers can connect with the business through:
Township Agriculture and Food Production
The expo also highlighted the importance of local food production through Masana Generation Project, a chicken farming business based in Soshanguve Block M.
Owned by Zenzile Mabitsela, the enterprise contributes to township food security while creating opportunities for small-scale agricultural entrepreneurship. The business supplies locally raised chicken products and demonstrates how township agriculture can play a significant role in strengthening community economies.
Contact:
📞 078 509 2739
📧 silviazsmabitsela@gmail.com
Premium Township Bottled Water Innovation
Another standout business was Aqua OBR Prepared Still Water, founded by entrepreneur Tshepiso Manamela from Ga-Rankuwa.
The company produces pH8 alkaline prepared still water, using a sophisticated seven-stage purification process that includes reverse osmosis and UV sterilization to ensure clean, high-quality drinking water.
Aqua OBR offers bottled water in 500ml, 1.5L, and 5L sizes, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking premium hydration. Beyond bottled water, the company also offers custom branding solutions, allowing businesses and event organisers to place their branding on bottled water products.
This innovative approach transforms everyday bottled water into a marketing tool for businesses, helping local brands increase visibility while solving the challenge of access to quality drinking water in township communities.
Contact:
📞 076 735 6911
🌐 www.aquaobr.co.za
📱 TikTok / Instagram / Facebook: AquaOBR
Women Entrepreneurs Driving the Creative Economy
Women entrepreneurs played a significant role at the expo, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
One such business was Hlohonolofatso Crafts, founded by Elizabeth Qhamakhoane, specialising in handmade crochet products including bags, hats, cellphone pouches, and decorative bath mats.
These handcrafted items reflect a growing demand for locally produced fashion and lifestyle products that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Contact:
📞 060 935 5273
Lifestyle Food and Beverage Innovation
Also exhibiting was Omphile Trust Events, a vibrant café business located in Soshanguve South Extension 10.
The café offers a wide variety of refreshments and snacks including:
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Ice cream
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Slushies
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Milkshakes
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Smoothies
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Frozen yogurt
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Designer ice cream
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Candy floss
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Biltong
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Hot beverages including cappuccino, tea, coffee and hot chocolate
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Muffins and spiral chips
Omphile Trust Events represents the growing food and beverage entrepreneurship scene within township communities, catering to local customers while creating social gathering spaces.
Manufacturing and Personal Care Brands
The expo also featured Extremely Soft, a manufacturing business based in Mabopane Industrial Area that produces high-quality virgin toilet paper products, including 1-ply and 2-ply tissue.
By manufacturing locally, the company contributes to township industrialisation while supplying essential products to the market.
Contact:
📧 sales@extremelysoft.co.za
📍 Mabopane Industrial Area
Beauty and Wellness Entrepreneurship
Another inspiring entrepreneur at the event was Tiyani Hlebela, founder of the Tiyani Angella Haircare Range.
Tiyani, originally from Bushbuckridge, built her brand after gaining attention on social media for her personal skincare and haircare routines.
Today her business produces natural-inspired hair and skincare products aimed at helping individuals regain confidence and improve personal wellness.
Her brand has expanded beyond Pretoria and now has customers across Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Website: www.tiyaniangella.co.za
Inspiring African Entrepreneurship
The event also featured the lifestyle brand Yenza, which focuses on inspiring Africans to take action and build businesses that contribute to the continent’s growth.
The brand’s philosophy encourages Africans to “Get Started”, emphasising that the solutions to Africa’s challenges will largely come from Africans themselves.
Their retail presence includes Southgate Mall, where the brand connects with customers through lifestyle products rooted in African identity and empowerment.
Women Entrepreneurs Empowered Through Digital Innovation
Two women-led businesses also showcased their products during the event after receiving digital support packages aimed at strengthening their online presence.
These entrepreneurs were awarded professionally developed websites and six months of hosting support by Virgo Digital Agency, enabling them to expand their digital reach and access broader markets.
Among the beneficiaries was BH Enterprise, a Mabopane-based shoemaking business founded by Hilda “Snocky” Phaloane, known for producing handmade Veldskoene (vellies) and custom leather footwear.
Also featured was Keorapetse Matabs Pty Ltd, founded by Koketso Mataboge, which produces natural immune-support Smoothy juices made from ingredients such as carrot, ginger, pumpkin, pear, and grape.
Both entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their products to visitors attending the picnic, demonstrating the growing innovation within township businesses.
Municipal Support for Local Entrepreneurs
The event also welcomed representatives from Metsimaholo Local Municipality, whose Tourism and Marketing Department brought along ten local entrepreneurs, many of whom are women-led businesses.
The municipality supports local tourism and creative enterprises through market access initiatives, promotional opportunities, and heritage showcasing, helping entrepreneurs reach wider audiences.
A Platform for Township Economic Growth
The Entrepreneur Picnic demonstrated how township and village entrepreneurs are building innovative businesses across industries including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, wellness, food services, and crafts.
Events like the Township & Village Tourism Expo continue to play an important role in creating market access, strengthening networks, and promoting grassroots economic development, ensuring that township businesses are not only visible but competitive in South Africa’s growing tourism and entrepreneurship landscape.
