South Africa is not short of dynamic and inventive entrepreneurs. We are very pleased to introduce you to several exciting entrepreneurs on our Entrepreneur Panel. The panel, which runs from 15h00 to 16h00 – features three talented entrepreneurs who got their business idea off the ground… with some funding support.

Imagine…

  • Producing gourmet ice-cream from insects
  • Launching a disruptive healthcare clinic chain
  • Connecting photographers with photography assignments

The Health Pioneer… Dr Nthabiseng Legoete

Dr Nthabiseng Legoete is the founder of Quali Health, a network of clinics in townships that have become known for quality, affordable and accessible primary healthcare services. The model, broadly based on her experiences while visiting India, relies on technology to provide a paperless system that delivers an efficient, convenient service where it’s most needed. With funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, she has opened clinics in Tembisa, Soweto and Alexandra townships around Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial hub. She has set her sights on taking the concept national.

Food Re-imagined….Leah Bessa

Leah Bessa is the Co-founder and Head of Product Development for Gourmet Grubb. She completed her Masters in Food Science at Stellenbosch University, where she researched the potential of insects as a food ingredient for human consumption, and has gone onto doing her PhD with the main focus being on insects as a sustainable alternative to meat. Today she is also the head of R&D where she develops insects into a dairy alternative, starting with ice cream made from Entomilk (a milk alternative made from insects). She is here to redefine the way you think about eating insects.

The Digital Connector… Vije Vijendranath

Vije Vijendranath, the Co-Founder and CEO, Tapsnapp is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built three companies in South Africa over 10 years. He has successfully funded two companies namely, You, Baby and I, a parenting shopping company as well as Tapsnapp, an online photography booking platform. His funding has come from an institutional funding organisation as well as angel investment. With a background in computer engineering, he has a deep love of technology product development. Vije also works with his wife, Shaney Vijendranath who is also an entrepreneur.