Breaking

In the realm of entrepreneurship, women have often faced challenges and barriers that hinder their progress and growth. However, Sibusiso Raphekwane, Founder and CEO of The Transformation Legacy, is determined to change this narrative. With her expertise in entrepreneur development, she is on a mission to empower women and build thriving, legacy-driven businesses in Africa.

With 15 years of experience in business and 12 years in enterprise development, Raphekwane brings a wealth of knowledge and mentorship to the table. Her unique approach to business mentorship goes beyond the transfer of skills; she integrates personal mastery into her programmes. As an ontological coach, Raphekwane believes that self-awareness is a crucial component of achieving success and longevity in business.

Her mentorship programmes focus on imparting business skills and building the personal value of the individuals behind the businesses. By helping entrepreneurs navigate their strengths, talents, and capabilities, she ensures that their businesses yield adequate performance.

Unconventional yet effective approaches

Through her unconventional yet, effective approach to business, Raphekwane and The Transformation Legacy have successfully supported and developed a total of 405 entrepreneurs since inception, with 70% being femaleled businesses. As a result of her efforts, over 80% of the businesses supported have grown and remain sustainable.

Corporate giants such as Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, Coface, and South African National Parks have acknowledged the impact of The Transformation Legacy’s tailor-made Enterprise and Supplier Development and mentorship programmes, praising her and her team for responding to their specific business needs.

Passionate about the development of a township economy, Raphekwane and her team – which is 100% black and female, launched the Township Entrepreneurship Summit for early-stage female entrepreneurs in Hammanskraal. The initiative zoned in on building the confidence levels of female entrepreneurs to help propel them towards a fruitful entrepreneurship journey. The platform also enabled entrepreneurs to form relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, build a supportive network and learn the basic principles of building a successful business, among other things.

Significant contribution to the SA small business community recognised

Raphekwane’s significant contribution to the South African small business community were recognised by SANTAM in the Women of the Future Awards, True Love Prestige List 2022, where she was among one of the 36 women honoured for exemplary leadership, integrity, dedication and passion. Additionally, the exceptional work of The Transformation Legacy team was recognised at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards under the “top empowered” category.

As part of pioneering the enterprise development and business mentorship agenda in Africa, Raphekwane is currently working on publishing a book that will cover topics on entrepreneurship and leadership. She also has her sights set on using her gained experience and theoretical knowledge to launch a Transformation Legacy Academy for youth and establish a foundation for young boys and girls that will build a culture of entrepreneurship and self-sustainability.