Business & Brotherhood: How Small Enterprises Are Changing Lives

As South Africa prepares to mark Micro‑, Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises Day on 27 June, it’s worth celebrating the growing number of male-owned township and rural enterprises that are not only creating jobs but also strengthening community bonds and resilience.

From R200 to R2.7 Million: a story of resilience

Take Brian Malatji in Tembisa. With just R200 in 2014 and a plan to use provident fund savings, Brian launched a gate automation business; Dinoko Automation. Despite an early setback, he pivoted to selling airtime and pitching his services in the township. Today, his company turns over roughly R2.7 million, and he employs several local youth, offering training and a path out of township unemployment (Source: www.sage.com). Brian’s journey demonstrates how male entrepreneurs are rising above adversity, using their grit to build businesses that serve their communities.

In Soweto, Itumeleng Mpatlanyana launched Nkukhu Box, a fast-food concept using a converted shipping container. By sourcing produce locally and employing township youth, this business has expanded to ten outlets, proving that simple, affordable ideas can thrive.

SMMEs as community anchors

South Africa's 2.6 million SMMEs, over 90% of the country's businesses, contribute significantly to GDP and employment. Township-driven SMMEs are hubs of local commerce, fostering entrepreneurship and uplifting families (Source: townshipeconomies.co.za). This township economy is underestimated; recent studies estimate its annual worth at around R100 billion. It is a powerhouse of innovation and resilience.

Building community through business

Male-led SMMEs are bridging economic gaps by offering relevant services and rooting profits back into their communities. Many work with business incubators and government programmes, such as the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development (NISED) strategy, to receive mentorship, funding, and skills training (Source: www.seda.org.za).

Recognition also plays a role. The presidential SMME awards recently honoured township and youth entrepreneurs who are driving a new wave of economic transformation (Source: www.dsbd.gov.za).

Challenges remain

Despite strong potential, considerable hurdles stand in the way. Limited access to finance, where only 5% of township MSMEs receive traditional loans, remains a major barrier. Sustaining growth also depends on adopting technology, engaging staff, building partnerships, and responding to market needs.

Micro‑, Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises Day: A platform to propel change

This 27 June, MSME Day offers a moment to highlight the transformative potential of male-led small enterprises. It’s an opportunity for public–private partnerships, for financial institutions to improve funding models, and for communities to support local entrepreneurs whose success translates into job creation and social upliftment.

“Business and brotherhood” is reshaping township life, crafting opportunities from ordinary means, scaling enterprises from shipping containers to tech hubs, and forging local pride. Through this wave of local entrepreneurship, men are proving that small enterprises can wield outsized impact, redefining success, community and prosperity for the long term.