​Christopher Sello
The Gauteng Provincial Government has taken bold steps to foster an ecosystem that champions high-tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. This visionary initiative gave rise to the Innovation Hub, the dedicated innovation agency of Gauteng Province.
The mission of the Innovation Hub is to ignite and nurture innovative entrepreneurship throughout Gauteng. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective functioning of this dynamic hub of innovation.
Currently, The Innovation Hub boasts a network of 10 eKasi Labs strategically positioned within Gauteng's townships. These labs provide invaluable business development support to startups across diverse sectors.
The eKasi Lab's program serves as an extension of the Innovation Hub's comprehensive service offerings. These micro-innovation hubs are strategically spread across the five economic corridors of Gauteng, to cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within township communities. You can find these facilities in Mohlakeng, Sebokeng, Ga-Rankuwa, Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, Mamelodi, Kagiso, Kathorus, and Mabopane.
The eKasi Lab program offers two core development initiatives focused on skills and enterprise development, empowering entrepreneurs in the following ways:
Business Development Support: Entrepreneurs receive invaluable guidance and support to nurture and scale their ventures.
Mentoring: Both technical and non-technical mentoring are provided to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the business landscape.
Commercialisation and Market Development Support: Assistance is offered to bring products and services to market successfully.
Value-Added Services: Intellectual property and other legal advisory services are available.
Co-creation Facilities: State-of-the-art facilities, including, training with resources, and professional boardrooms, foster collaborative innovation.
Access to Financial Support: Entrepreneurs gain access to funding opportunities to fuel their growth.
Fabrication Laboratory: A fully-equipped lab for prototyping and developing innovative products.
Among the remarkable beneficiaries of the eKasi Lab initiative are some outstanding township enterprises:
SA Youth Media: This creative agency, owned by aspiring young writers, producers, and content creators, offers end-to-end content production services. It focuses on online media to connect businesses with their clients and expand their reach.
Huncho Drills Bootcamp: Founded by Lehlogonolo Tholo and Tumi Kolobe, this private company emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a means for physical activity and improving general health while offering support during emotionally trying times.
 
Nzima Electric: This company specialises in smart solar lights designed to address the challenges of load shedding in communities and small to medium-sized enterprises operating in poorly lit areas.
Aero Buddies: Founded by Joe Phalwane, Aero Buddies is an education enrichment company dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. They offer aviation and aeronautics-inspired lessons for students of all grade levels, including Edu-flight simulation, rocketry, aeromodelling, math support, and robotics.
These success stories represent the transformative impact of the Innovation Hub and its eKasi Labs, empowering township entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and thrive in today's competitive landscape.