South Africa’s education sector is getting a much-needed shakeup thanks to Dr Khangelani Wilmoth Sibiya and Dr Nyangani Tshabalala, the respective founders of KWV Education and the Institute for Applied Sciences and Commerce (IFASCO) Academy. With KWV Education’s nationwide tutoring centres, and IFASCO Academy’s matric rewrite and vocational training programmes, both are paving the path to academic and career success for the nation’s youth. Now, the brains behind these businesses are being recognised among the 16 finalists in the 36th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards.
Both are competing in the Emerging Entrepreneur category, which honours those in business for one to five years.
Dr Sibiya’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 with a small tutoring initiative, but through his leadership, KWV Education has grown into a national network of tutoring centres. He also hosts online courses and quarterly academic camps. Having helped thousands of learners improve their maths and science marks he is now setting his sights on establishing a school of excellence.
Equally inspiring is Dr. Tshabalala. Initially founded as a second chance matric support programme within Nelson Mandela University, the IFASCO Academy has since become an independent institution dedicated to serving young people. A wide range of services are provided, including a full-time matric rewrite programme, accredited trade and occupational training, and personal development sessions. To support those unable to reach the Academy’s physical campus, Tshabalala developed a mobile application specifically for students wanting to rewrite their matric exams. With an 80% matric pass rate, the Academy has empowered hundreds of students to pursue higher education and vocational opportunities.
“Khangelani and Nyangani are shining examples of how entrepreneurship can transform lives. Their innovative enterprises are not only crucial for driving academic success but for empowering the next generation of leaders in South Africa. We anticipate great things from their businesses in the future,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited.
On Thursday, 7 November 2024, the winners in each category—including the coveted Job Creator of the Year—will be unveiled at an awards ceremony in Gauteng. One standout business owner will also claim the title of South Africa’s overall Entrepreneur of the Year®.