Sanelisiwe Ngcobo is the Founder and Managing Director of Ngcobo SN Inc, a boutique real-estate and conveyancing law firm based in Johannesburg. A qualified attorney, notary, and conveyancer with over a decade of experience, she built her career through roles in both boutique and global law firms before establishing her own practice. She specialises in residential and commercial property transfers, notarial services, developments, and complex real-estate transactions. Known for her client-centred approach, professionalism, and commitment to transparent service delivery, she has positioned Ngcobo SN Inc as a trusted partner to banks, developers, estate agencies, and private clients within the property sector. 

Paul Siguqa is a South African entrepreneur and the owner of Klein Goederust, the first 100% black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek. The son of a farm labourer, Siguqa was inspired by his mother’s work in the vineyards and pursued a lifelong dream of land ownership in the wine industry. In 2019, he bought the run-down farm using his personal savings and transformed it into a successful boutique winery with a tasting room and restaurant. His journey challenges historic barriers in agriculture and land ownership, creating jobs and inspiring a new generation of black wine entrepreneurs.

Retang Phaahla is the CEO and co-founder of Setšong Tea Crafters, a South African social enterprise that produces indigenous herbal teas rooted in Bapedi cultural traditions. With a background in Quantity Surveying from the University of Pretoria, she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, driven by a mission to preserve ancestral knowledge and empower rural communities. Founded in 2017 with her mother, the company works with women-led cooperatives in Limpopo to sustainably harvest and produce teas from indigenous plants. Under her leadership, Setšong has gained national recognition, winning awards like the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and securing partnerships with major retailers. Through her work, Phaahla champions heritage, wellness, and economic empowerment, blending tradition with innovation.

Ndaedzo Madume, a former investment banker with seven years’ experience in derivatives and market risk analysis, is the founder and CEO of GraceNineteen, a South African proptech-fintech startup established in 2021. Inspired by his daughter’s name and a vision of financial empowerment, Madume created GraceNineteen to transform how rental deposits are managed, offering tenants and landlords digital solutions that are compliant, transparent, and growth-oriented. The company provides innovative products such as a rental deposit investment service, a deposit lending option for tenants, and a future homebuyer savings tool, with all deposits invested through Investec Bank. Backed by seed funding from family and angel investors, including Property24, GraceNineteen is positioning itself as a disruptor in the residential rental market by helping tenants turn deposits into savings and landlords streamline compliance while paving a path toward homeownership.

Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi is the founder and CEO of Hazile Group, a climate-smart agribusiness driving innovation in agriculture, clean water, and renewable energy through solutions like hydroponics, solar-powered Eco-Farm Pods, and water remediation. With an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on women in agribusiness and 4IR, she brings over 15 years of expertise in strategy, ESG, and organizational effectiveness. She also leads Acumind Consulting, founded the non-profit Basadi Bakopane to empower women and youth, and serves on the boards of WISA and SWIFT. Recognized with the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award, Dr Cebekhulu-Msomi is celebrated for her resilience, bold leadership, and commitment to food security, sustainability, and social impact in South Africa.

Tshepo Mekoa is the founder and CEO of Brima Logistics, a South African logistics company established in 2005. Raised in Daveyton, he began his career in corporate logistics before launching Brima with a single truck and a focus on reverse logistics—a niche often overlooked by major couriers. Under his leadership, Brima has grown to six branches, over 120 staff, and more than 40 vehicles.

Mekoa is known for his structured approach, emphasizing systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which helped the business thrive even during his recovery from a major accident and through the COVID-19 crisis. He introduced the Bokamoso Staff Trust, giving employees 10% ownership, and launched Brima Tech, a female-led tech arm supporting local SMEs through platforms like eblackbox.

A published author of The 14-Year Start-Up, Mekoa promotes long-term, sustainable business growth driven by resilience, discipline, and employee empowerment.

Sibusiso “Tiger” Nkabinde is the founder and lead tattoo artist at Black Crystal Ink, a Soweto-based tattoo studio known for its fusion of African cultural motifs and modern design. Nicknamed “Tiger” for his bold artistry, he has grown his brand into a respected name in South Africa’s creative scene. Beyond tattooing, he’s a mentor and entrepreneur focused on empowering others and preserving cultural identity through art. His work has been featured in mainstream media platforms and he continues to expand his influence through exhibitions and collaborations

 Karabo Morule is a South African entrepreneur, actuary, and advocate for African art, best known as the founder of Capital Art, an art fintech platform launched in 2020. Capital Art offers a cloud-based service that enables collectors to document, manage, and track the value of their art collections, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary African artworks. The platform aims to position African art as a recognized asset class, ensuring its preservation and appreciation over time. 

In this exciting episode of the Makala Podcast, we sit down with Tshepo Mangoele, the visionary founder of LignOrganics, a trailblazing organic skincare brand that’s making waves in the beauty industry. Tshepo takes us on an inspiring journey through the highs and lows of building a business rooted in sustainability, health, and African heritage.

Tune in as Tshepo shares his passion for organic products, his drive to innovate in a competitive market, and the challenges he faced along the way. From his humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the organic skincare space, Tshepo’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, skincare enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the power of nature-based products. Get ready for a lively and professional conversation that’s sure to inspire and inform.

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