Each month, Stellenbosch Network spotlights innovative entrepreneurs who are shaping the future, fostering collaboration between industry, government and academia to drive inclusive economic growth. In turn, Stellenbosch University’s LaunchLab supports Stellenbosch Network and the university’s entrepreneurial community in building impactful, sustainable businesses. We look at four trailblazing entrepreneurs making waves in their industries.
Tumelo Mokoena
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH – November/December 2024: A near-tragic incident involving a friend inspired Tumelo Mokoena, a first-year student at Stellenbosch University, to start his entrepreneurial journey.
Hailing from Johannesburg, Tumelo moved to Stellenbosch at the beginning of the 2024 academic year to pursue a B.Eng in electrical and electronic engineering. A passionate tech enthusiast with a keen interest in innovations like SpaceX launches, he did not set out to become an entrepreneur. But then a close friend was injured in a mugging, and Tumelo realised that crime was as prevalent in Stellenbosch as anywhere else and that slow responses were endangering the lives of victims. As a natural leader – he was head boy of his high school and president of the Tshwane South District Representative Council of Learners (RCL) – Tumelo knew he wanted to make a difference and began thinking about solutions. The result is SafeGuard Stellies, a comprehensive, three-part safety solution that comprises:
- A mobile app featuring a panic button, location tracker and safety tips.
- A panic bracelet that enables users to send alerts discreetly without having to reach for their phones.
- Drones that are equipped with live cameras, sirens and lights.
Although the business is still in the planning phase, it has immense potential to improve safety in the town and beyond.
“Winning the #Ideasforchange Challenge was a major milestone,” says Tumelo. “It gave the project momentum, and the support from Stellenbosch Network has been incredibly encouraging.” The business is now on track to launch key components like the mobile app and panic bracelets, with plans to develop drone technology in the next phase.
Looking ahead, Tumelo has big plans for SafeGuard Stellies. “Next we’ll focus on building a strong team, expanding our online presence and launching our products,” he says. The goal is to generate revenue from the app and bracelets to fund drone development and secure the necessary operational licences.
Partnerships with Stellenbosch University, the local municipality and security networks will be key to scaling up the business. “Our vision is to build an ‘Uber for Safety’, not just for students, but for the broader Stellenbosch community.”
Tumelo’s journey to this point has been shaped by invaluable lessons. One piece of advice that stands out came from a course he recently took, ‘University Practice in Natural Science’. It taught him that the most successful students are not always those with the highest marks, but those with the resilience to push through obstacles. “That mindset has been my guiding principle.”
Prof. Ranel Venter
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH – January 2025: Prof. Ranel Venter is a leading researcher at Stellenbosch University and the CEO of Banzifeet, a pioneering South African company dedicated to improving the foot development of school-going children. Her entrepreneurial story is a testament to how research and innovation can converge to create solutions that could have a lasting impact on local communities.
The idea for Banzifeet began in 2016 when Ranel co-led a joint study with the University of Hamburg. After examining the foot morphology of children growing up barefoot in South Africa and wearing shoes in Germany, the research revealed significant differences between barefoot children and those with shoes. South African children tend to have wider and larger feet, yet standard school shoes are too narrow, causing discomfort and potential long-term developmental issues.
Ranel saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact. “The data were clear,” she says. “Ill-fitting shoes don’t just cause discomfort; they can affect foot function, gait and overall development. I knew something had to be done.”
Recognising that systemic change was needed, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. Partnering with Innovus Technology Transfer Office at Stellenbosch University, she founded Banzifeet alongside fellow researchers Elbe de Villiers and Marise Breet.
The company aims to provide school shoe manufacturers with accurate data on South African children’s foot shapes, enabling them to design better-fitting footwear. “It’s about empowering existing manufacturers with the tools they need to create shoes that support healthy development.”
Transitioning from research to business was not without its hurdles. There was a steep learning curve involved in navigating legal requirements, developing a business model and marketing a product, recalls Ranel. “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted,” she admits. “You need to be prepared for setbacks and willing to learn as you go.”
Nevertheless, Banzifeet has made significant strides, developing a certification model that helps manufacturers to assess and improve their shoe designs. Its prototypes have been tested in local schools and it recently partnered with Bolton Footwear to manufacture the first Banzifeet Gold certificate school shoe.
Already Banzifeet is creating ripples of change. In Kylemore, Stellenbosch, it partnered with a local shoe company to establish a ‘shoe library’ that provides children with access to better-fitting shoes as they grow. “This is just the beginning,” says Ranel. “We’re working to influence policy-makers and raise awareness about the importance of proper footwear.”
She is also passionate about challenging stigmas. “Being barefoot is often associated with poverty, but it’s actually incredibly beneficial for children’s foot and ankle development, especially for those who take part in sports.”
For those inspired by her story, Ranel offers this advice:
- Be passionate about your cause: “Starting a business is not just about making money. It’s about solving a problem and making a difference.”
- Stay resilient: “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be prepared to face challenges and keep going.”
- Look for support: “Partnering with the right people can make all the difference. Innovus was instrumental in helping us navigate the business side of things.”
Ranel’s journey with Banzifeet is a powerful reminder that great businesses often start with a simple idea: identifying a problem and working tirelessly to solve it. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her story is proof that passion, collaboration and resilience can turn challenges into opportunities and research into real-world impact.
Dr Daniel Page
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH – February 2025: Dr Daniel Page, founder and CEO of Psyche Innovations, is on a mission to transform mental health care through technology and human-centred services. His journey into entrepreneurship is deeply personal. After losing his brother to suicide, he was determined to make mental health support more accessible, proactive and free from stigma. Psyche Innovations is tackling one of the biggest challenges in mental health: accessibility. Traditional mental health care is often expensive and only sought out in crisis. Daniel saw an opportunity to overcome this challenge by developing evidence-based digital tools that allow individuals, businesses and institutions to integrate mental well-being into daily life.
His flagship app, Psyche: Mental Health, is now used in more than 75 countries and has been adopted by organisations such as the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Education Department and Stellenbosch University.
Daniel has had to navigate the complexities of scaling up a digital health platform while ensuring that the human element remains at its core. He attributes much of his success to partnerships and collaboration, working closely with experts and organisations to refine and expand Psyche Innovations’ offerings. The company is also exploring AI-driven solutions to make mental health support even more personalised and effective.
Like any entrepreneur Daniel has faced obstacles, from funding challenges to changing perceptions of mental health.
He believes resilience and adaptability are key traits for any founder. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to adopt a growth mindset, embrace learning and build a strong support network. He credits his partner, Kelsey Andrews, and his family for being a crucial part of his journey. Looking ahead, Daniel wants to expand Psyche Innovations’ impact, ensuring that mental wellness becomes an integral part of workplaces, schools and communities. For him, this isn’t just about business; it’s about making a difference. With the right mix of innovation, collaboration and determination, he is proving that entrepreneurship can truly drive meaningful change.
iWashCars
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH – March 2025: Some of the best business ideas come from solving everyday problems. For Desmond Mogodi, co-founder of iWashCars, that problem was the traditional car wash – tedious, inconvenient and wasteful. The iWashCars solution is a smart, on-demand car wash service that brings eco-friendly cleaning directly to customers.
Desmond and his co-founders, Brighton Maharela and Lesedi Dikhoba (pictured), launched iWashCars in 2023 after recognising the need for a more flexible and sustainable car wash experience. “People want convenience,” says Desmond. “We bring the car wash to them, use less water and deliver a fast, high-quality service. We’re like the ‘Uber’ of car washes.”
The idea took shape in Stellenbosch, where the trio held many brainstorming sessions over coffee and doughnuts. Since its launch, iWashCars has evolved from a purely mobile service to a hybrid model, offering both mobile and fixed-location services. Their expansion into Fish Hoek marked a major milestone, culminating in the launch of a permanent location at a Shell Garage in early 2025.
Initially bootstrapped, the founders started by finding customers and washing cars on foot. Then they moved to bicycles and later relied on Uber. Now, with a physical space, they can offer hybrid services and save on storage space for their equipment.
Through perseverance and smart partnerships, they’ve washed more than 500 cars within a few months of starting their business.
iWashCars has earned industry recognition through several entrepreneurship competitions and incubator programmes, including:
- EDHE National Competition 2024: regional winners.
- YouthX Nedbank Competition 2024: top 10 finalist, securing R25 000 in funding.
- SU LaunchLab Incubation Programme: five weeks of intensive business training.
- TrioPlus Development Business Coaching 2025: ongoing mentorship.
- Mashauri College’s USSAVI 25 Mini Incubator: business training and development.
Reflecting on his journey, Desmond shares an inspiring message for aspiring student entrepreneurs: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” He urges them to embrace their potential, stay true to their vision and persist through challenges.
With its rapid growth and innovative approach, iWashCars is redefining car care in Stellenbosch and beyond. If you’re in the area, why not experience the future of car washing yourself?
For bookings, contact iWashCars on 061 531 5766 or via email at FanosiMaharela@gmail.com.