Makhanda Rebooted: Young Innovators Fueling the Township Vibe
Friday, 28th March 2025
Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, is home to a vibrant and rapidly growing community of entrepreneurs who are transforming the local economy through innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Among these entrepreneurs are Zimkhitha Mahlahla aka Zimmy of Zimmy Developments, Sanele Cintso, Ayanda Tyibilika, and SiyoM, each offering unique services that contribute to the local township business ecosystem. What sets these entrepreneurs apart is not just their individual achievements, but the powerful partnerships they’ve formed to enhance and support one another's work. The importance of collaboration among service providers is at the heart of their success.
These businesses also play a crucial role in enriching the visitor experience, helping to elevate the local culture and economy. By working together, Zimmy, Sanele, Ayanda, and SiyoM have been able to amplify their impact on the community, providing memorable experiences for visitors and creating an interconnected local economy. Their stories of resilience and teamwork provide a blueprint for how township businesses can thrive through collaboration.
Zimmy Developments – Innovating Event Branding and Personalised Services
Zimmy, the founder of Zimmy Developments, has created a unique niche by offering personalized newspapers and event branding services. What makes Zimmy’s work so impactful is her ability to bring creativity and personalisation to every event she touches. Whether it’s creating a bespoke newspaper for a baby shower, custom invitations for a wedding, or personalized welcome boards for local businesses, Zimmy’s work adds a special touch to any occasion.
Zimmy’s business philosophy revolves around offering tailored solutions to meet her clients' needs. She collaborates frequently with other local businesses, including Lulo Events and Ayanda Tyibilika, to provide a seamless experience for their mutual clients. For example, Zimmy often works with Sanele to create unique digital content for local events, where her newspapers and promotional materials complement the photography and videography services provided by Sanele. This synergy between their businesses ensures that clients receive a comprehensive service, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
Zimmy’s work illustrates how collaborating with other service providers helps to strengthen the local economy and promote township businesses in Makhanda. Her focus on personalisation and high-quality service ensures that every project she works on leaves a lasting impression.
Sanele Cintso – Founder of Lulo Events: A Visionary in Multimedia and Event Management
Sanele Cintso is a passionate creative and the founder of Lulo Events, a multimedia and event management company. Sanele's business has become a cornerstone in Makhanda’s event scene, specialising in photography, videography, and branding. With his work featured in major local events like the Makana Music Festival, Ecawa Music Festival, and the Port Alfred Gospel Music Festival, Sanele’s expertise has helped bring these events to life with stunning visuals and strategic branding.
What sets Sanele apart is his ability to pivot in the face of challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanele faced the unfortunate reality of event cancellations, which forced him to refund clients and rethink his business strategy. However, he turned adversity into opportunity by focusing on content creation for local businesses. One notable example was his collaboration with a popular local tavern, Blutooth, where he provided photography services, helping to promote the tavern’s brand and generate new clientele. This partnership not only helped Sanele's business survive but also highlighted the importance of working closely with other local businesses to create mutual success.
Sanele's success story demonstrates how collaboration within the local community can elevate a business, especially in a tight-knit environment like Makhanda. His open-minded approach to working with other service providers is a key factor in the growth of Lulo Events.
Ayanda Tyibilika – Founder of Revamp Beauty Studios: Enhancing Confidence Through Makeup
Ayanda Tyibilika, the founder of Revamp Beauty Studios, is a professional makeup artist who has built a successful business by enhancing natural beauty and creating customised looks for various events such as weddings, graduations, and birthday parties. Over the years, Ayanda has worked with well-known personalities, including celebrities like Lerato Kganyago and Buli G from RHOG, as well as influential local clients. Her ability to transform and boost confidence through makeup artistry has made her a beloved figure in the local beauty industry.
What makes Ayanda’s story even more compelling is her collaboration with other local entrepreneurs like Sanele and Zimmy. Through these partnerships, she is able to offer clients a more complete and high-end experience. For example, Ayanda often works with Zimmy to create custom invitations and event materials that complement her makeup services. She also collaborates with Sanele for photography and videography, ensuring that her clients have access to a full range of services for their special occasions.
These collaborations allow Ayanda to offer a more holistic service, enhancing the overall experience for her clients and ensuring they feel confident and beautiful. Her work highlights the importance of mutual support and shared resources among local entrepreneurs, as it creates opportunities for growth and success.
SiyoM – Transformative Makeup Artistry
SiyoM is a self-taught makeup artist known for her transformative artistry and innovative techniques. With over three years of experience in the beauty industry, SiyoM has worked with a diverse range of clients, from high-rank individuals and celebrities to everyday individuals seeking a special touch.
Known for her professionalism, creativity, and ability to bring out each client's unique beauty, SiyoM remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of makeup artistry and continually seeking inspiration from the latest trends and techniques. She collaborates with other local businesses to offer a well-rounded service to her clients, ensuring that they not only look their best but also feel confident and empowered.
The Power of Collaboration: Strengthening the Local Economy
The success of Zimmy, Sanele, Ayanda, and SiyoM is a testament to the power of collaboration in Makhanda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By working together, these service providers are able to offer a broader range of services, which ultimately benefits their clients and enhances the local business landscape. For homestay guests in Makhanda, the opportunities for collaboration are abundant, providing a unique, immersive experience that connects them with the local community.
The township business model thrives on collaboration, where each entrepreneur contributes to the collective success of the local economy. These partnerships not only benefit individual businesses but also create a more interconnected, vibrant community. For visitors staying in homestays, supporting these local businesses helps foster a deeper connection to the culture and the people who make Makhanda such a special place.
A Blueprint for Future Entrepreneurs
The stories of Zimmy, Sanele, Ayanda, and SiyoM are a powerful reminder of the impact that collaboration can have on local business success. By sharing resources, supporting each other, and working together, they have built thriving businesses that not only serve their clients but also contribute to the growth of Makhanda’s economy. Their work continues to inspire other local entrepreneurs, and the synergy between service providers like these ensures that Makhanda remains a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
For visitors and homestay hosts alike, these entrepreneurs are shaping the future of Makhanda by weaving their talents into a seamless experience that celebrates local culture and supports the community’s growth. The future looks bright for township businesses that understand the power of collaboration and mutual support.
Explore the individual stories of these inspiring entrepreneurs here and discover how they are transforming Makhanda.
