When a storyteller meets a strategist, something extraordinary happens. Rising from the Township is what happened when Yamkela Khoza Tywakadi and Dr. Steven Zwane have joined forces to deliver more than just a book—it’s a movement, a playbook, and a spark for anyone daring enough to build a business when the odds are stacked against them.
This isn’t just another book; it’s a journey into the heart of South Africa’s townships and rural villages, guided by people who have lived through the struggle and thrived.
In these pages, readers meet ten entrepreneurs who took everyday obstacles and turned them into stepping stones. From Themba Makamo’s bold creation of Vaya Footwear to Sheldon Tatchell’s rise with Legends Barbershop, each story is an invitation to roll up your sleeves and get moving.
“Townships have always been where dreams start,” says Yamkela Khoza Tywakadi, an acclaimed author with more than 15 books under her belt. “But dreams need tools, strategy, and grit. This book doesn’t just tell you success stories—it gives you the roadmap.”
Tywakadi is no stranger to turning ideas into action. With experience in communication strategy and several of her books now set works in schools, she knows the importance of storytelling that drives real change.
“We wanted to write something that felt personal but also practical—a reminder that if you come from a township or a rural area, your future is not limited to survival. It can be greatness,” she adds.
For Dr. Steven Zwane, the Managing Executive for Corporate Citizenship at ABSA, this book represents a culmination of years spent in education, finance, and youth development.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about mindset,” says Zwane. “It’s about being bold enough to act on ideas, even when the path isn’t clear. That’s what the people in this book did—they didn’t wait for permission.”
Zwane’s journey mirrors the transformative stories within the book. From lecturing MBA students on township economies to shaping youth entrepreneurship initiatives, his life’s work has been centered on igniting change.
“This is more than a book for me. It’s a toolkit for the future,” he says. “I’ve seen what happens when entrepreneurs realise their potential. They become unstoppable!”
Rising from the Township offers real insights into what it takes to launch and grow a business. Readers will learn how these entrepreneurs broke into competitive markets, secured funding, and built partnerships that helped them scale. It’s a rare combination of inspiration and instruction.
Themba Makamo, one of the entrepreneurs featured in the book, sums it up:
“When I launched Vaya in 2021, I wanted every South African child to feel proud, knowing the shoes they wear were made for them, by us. Vaya is for the hustlers, for those who grind, and for those who find a way—even when there’s no way.”
This book isn’t just about business—it’s about changing the narrative. It’s a celebration of township pride, innovation, and the spirit of making things happen. For Tywakadi and Zwane, this is just the beginning.
“We’re not just sharing stories; we’re setting something in motion,” says Tywakadi. “This is about building a new culture—one where young people see entrepreneurship as a natural extension of who they are.”
Zwane agrees.
“We want this book to be in the hands of every aspiring entrepreneur, every student with a dream. This isn’t just a feel-good read. It’s a movement.”
With plans to expand the series in the future, Tywakadi and Zwane are committed to continuing the conversation around entrepreneurship in townships and rural areas.
“The people we feature in this book are proof that no matter where you start, you can create something remarkable,” says Tywakadi. “We hope their stories inspire a wave of new entrepreneurs to rise.”