On the 22nd of May 2022, the INFOMedia team travelled to Standerton to be part of a powerful celebration. the close-out event of the Spana Sprint Accelerator Program. This wasn’t just a typical end-of-program ceremony. It was a testament to what can happen when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and space to bring their business ideas to life.
The accelerator, which ran for ten weeks, supported over 20 young innovators from the Lekwa Local Municipality. Some participants came with just an idea, others with businesses already in motion. Made possible by Saturated in partnership with the Sakhile Youth Empowerment Centre, the program aimed to empower township-based entrepreneurs with practical skills, access to networks, and confidence to build sustainable ventures. On this special day, over 20 graduates proudly received their certificates, a symbol of their growth, commitment, and readiness to take on the world of entrepreneurship.
One of the highlights of the event was the pitch competition, where selected participants were given a chance to present their businesses to a panel of judges. Five of them walked away with exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of motivation to their journeys. It was during this segment that the creativity, resilience, and hunger of Lekwa’s youth truly shined.
INFOMedia’s Managing Director, Senzeni Dladla, opened the day with a keynote address that captured the room’s attention. Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Senzeni spoke about the real challenges of entrepreneurship, sharing tips on how to approach funding and what it really takes to build something that lasts. His message wasn’t wrapped in theory but rooted in lived experience. exactly what the room needed. After the keynote, he joined the judging panel for the pitch competition, lending his insights alongside other experienced entrepreneurs: Mamello Mofokeng of Saturated, Thabang Malungane of Patela Systems, and Mbali Mthimunye of INFOMedia.
The competition revealed standout ventures, including the top three winners: Refiloe Tshabalala, founder of EKSE, an app designed to support artists and the entertainment industry; Noluthando Mantsau, founder of Lilia M Holdings, a cleaning detergent manufacturing business; and Hlengiwe Kumalo, the force behind Somashishini, a growing catering brand. Each of them presented not only a business but a vision for impact in their communities and they did so with confidence and clarity.
INFOMedia was proudly represented by a dedicated team that included Senzeni Dladla, Mbali Mthimunye, and General Manager Thulani Mabena. Their presence signaled the agency’s continued commitment to driving change beyond the city and into communities that are too often overlooked. Events like these are not just about showcasing business plans; they’re about reminding young people that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go.
The Spana Sprint Accelerator Program Close-Out was more than a graduation, it was a spark. A reminder that innovation isn’t exclusive to big cities or fancy offices. It lives in the hearts of young people from places like Lekwa, who just need someone to believe in them. INFOMedia is proud to have been part of this chapter, and even more excited about the stories still to be written by the entrepreneurs who stood tall that
Thank you so much for the opportunity as one of the top 3 winners this has helped me so much in my business continue to host such programs it will really help a lot of entrepreneurs