Social Entrepreneur | Author | Grootman lama Gents
I am committed to empowering young people by delivering accessible, practical business education tailored to their realities, ambitions, and cultural context. I believe today’s youth need more than inspiration—they need clear, actionable knowledge that helps them turn ideas into thriving ventures and build meaningful careers.
My journey spans grassroots entrepreneurship and brand leadership across various sectors. From managing informal vegetable stalls to operating outdoor media, running e-commerce platforms, and developing premium local brands, I’ve worked at nearly every level of the business value chain. These experiences allow me to connect deeply with both emerging entrepreneurs and established players, translating complex business concepts into relatable, empowering lessons.
In 2023, I launched Z2B Food & Beverage Stokvel, a community-driven initiative that merges aquaponics farming with township-based meat wholesaling to create sustainable income opportunities. This innovative model was recognized at the inaugural Absa Stokvel Awards with four nominations, including “Most Unique and Innovative Stokvel” and “Most Innovative Investment Stokvel.”
Building on this foundation, I co-founded Squad United, a youth-led savings group using the StokFella platform to fund and co-own Squad Footwear and Apparel—a South African-made sneaker and apparel brand. Designed by and for the youth, Squad is more than a product line; it’s a movement that allows young people to invest in, wear, and work within a business they built together. This initiative redefines ownership and participation in the fashion economy, proving that the biggest market can also be its most powerful producer.
As Creative Director of the ZeroToMillion campaign, I continue to guide young entrepreneurs through the real-world challenges of building scalable businesses. The campaign focuses on hands-on learning, mentorship, and transparent entrepreneurship, championing the philosophy that success can—and should—be built in public.
My mission is to nurture a new generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs who aren’t just job seekers but job creators. Through community-owned business models, relatable education, and scalable initiatives, I aim to shift how youth engage with the economy and, ultimately, how they shape their future.
