Bridging skills gaps in Mamelodi through entrepreneurship empowerment and educational support
12 May 2026, Pretoria – In a shared commitment to empowering communities and unlocking potential, PwC South Africa, UNICEF South Africa and the University of Pretoria (UP) came together on 8 May 2026 at the Mamelodi Business Hub to inspire and equip entrepreneurs through hands-on volunteering.
This initiative builds on the ongoing PwC/UNICEF collaboration and reflects PwC’s Societal Purpose strategy, with employees volunteering their skills where they matter most. It also aligns with the University of Pretoria’s vision for the Mamelodi Business Hub to become a centre of township revival, producing entrepreneurs who generate meaningful societal impact within their communities. The volunteering day focused on strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities, addressing critical skills gaps, and supporting local preschools through the packing and distribution of educational resource packs. Through this shared effort, contributing to improved social and economic outcomes for the Mamelodi community and beyond.
Located at the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus, the Business Hub was launched in 2022 in collaboration with UNICEF South Africa and PwC South Africa. The Hub serves as a dedicated space for collaboration and practical learning, bring together academic, private sector and development expertise to support community-focused programmes.
“Over the years, the Hub has played an important role in embedding entrepreneurship within community-focused initiatives, using interdisciplinary programmes to drive meaningful social impact. Its vision reflects a broader commitment to advancing inclusive growth and opportunity, across South Africa.”
This perspective reinforces the Hub’s long-standing role in driving community-focused entrepreneurship and continued impact.
“It is important to recognise the power of growth, not only for individual businesses, but for the communities they serve. Through the Mamelodi Business Hub, we are investing in the potential of entrepreneurs to scale their enterprises, create jobs, and drive meaningful, lasting impact. This initiative goes beyond support; it is a call to action for continued growth and measurable results.”
The Mamelodi Business Hub serves as a platform for driving inclusive entrepreneurship and skills development. It supports women’s leadership, introduces 4IR technologies through its maker space and design lab, and enables youth entrepreneurs to co-create innovative solutions. By connecting local businesses with university students and research, the Hub strengthens the micro-business ecosystem and develops a scalable model for entrepreneurship across South Africa and the continent.
“Our work continues to highlight that one of the greatest challenges faced by entrepreneurs in townships is limited access to essential resources in rural areas and townships. Ranging from reliable utilities and appropriate spaces for collaboration, to the regulatory frameworks needed to formalise and grow a business. The Mamelodi Business Hub responds directly to these realities by offering a central, inclusive platform with shared infrastructure, business support services, and collaborative spaces, enabling entrepreneurs to connect, formalise, and scale their enterprises.”
“Meaningful and lasting impact is achieved when diverse partners come together to respond to the real needs of communities. The Business Hub exemplifies this collaborative approach, creating an inclusive space where entrepreneurs can access opportunities, build capabilities, and unlock their potential. Through collective effort, initiatives like this help foster stronger, more resilient communities and support a more sustainable future.”
Such collaborative efforts highlight the importance of shared responsibility in building sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystems. By addressing these systemic challenges, the Hub continues to create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth in township communities.
“The Mamelodi Business Hub stands as a catalyst for inclusive growth, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, support, and environment they need to thrive. By bringing partners, skills, and opportunities together, the Hub is driving meaningful community level and nurturing a sustainable culture of entrepreneurship.”
Contact us
Verena Koobair
Head of Communications and Societal Purpose Firm Pillar Lead, PwC South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 4873
