Unlocking South Africa’s Township Economy with Bulelani Balabala (TEA)

MASHSTARTUP

Bulelani Balabala is the founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), a platform that has supported over 50,000 township entrepreneurs with access to skills, mentorship, and markets.

From humble beginnings selling sweets and fat cakes to building one of the country’s most impactful entrepreneurship platforms, Bulelani has made it his mission to empower the 1.8 million informal businesses that drive the township economy. Through TEA, he’s provided access to information, mentorship, funding, and markets to over 50,000 entrepreneurs across the country.

We explore the untapped potential of the township economy, the structural challenges holding it back, and what it will take to unlock growth, scale impact, and build a more inclusive economic future. Bulelani also shares what’s next — from launching The Township Entrepreneurs Guide to hosting the Township Economy Summit and Awards.

This episode is a deep dive into real grassroots innovation, resilience, and what it truly means to build for community.

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