As the government implemented new curriculum standards that mandated high schools teach computer skills, Luvuyo Rani, the co-founder and CEO of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, a Cape Town-based IT services company, started his entrepreneurial journey in 2004 by selling secondhand laptops.
1. Can you tell us about the origin of Silulo Ulutho Technologies and what inspired you to start this
- In 2004 I was a teacher in KwaMfundo, OBE had just been introduced. I saw my colleagues couldn’t use computers and saw an opportunity. I resigned and started selling refurbished computers. Later on. I realized that they could not use the computers that they have bought, and that is when the concept of the Training Academy came to life.
2. What sets Silulo Ulutho Technologies apart?
- We are where people are, in a market where most companies are not comfortable going. We bring the infrastructure services closer to the people (rural areas and townships)
3. How has Silulo Ulutho Technologies been successful in engaging and empowering young people, specifically in terms of their economic participation?
- We have trained more than 60000 youth on digital skills in which 80% are women.Over 50% have managed to secure employment.
- Eight of our franchises are owned by our former staff members.
- Our centres are opportunity centres where you can do your research, homework, etc.The key is to bring information and access to the internet to areas that were not privy to such services.We employ young people from the communities that we service.
4. Can you discuss the impact Silulo Ulutho Technologies has had in the digital industry?
- Giving skills to people who were not able to get the skills, and they can now find employment.Our Digital Centres are in areas where there is no infrastructure.We assist people with services such as PSIRA, SASSA, etc.We also assist entrepreneurs with their legislative compliances.
- Our training is now blended, both online and physical.
5. How does Silulo Ulutho Technologies balance its commitment to sustainability?
- We are a social enterprise, we empower people.We have launched Silulo Ulutho Foundation which focuses on Employment and Entrepreneurship Development in townships and rural areas.
6. Can you share some of the key challenges Silulo Ulutho Technologies has faced as a company, and how have you overcome them?
- Extortion (protection fee)
- Crime (break-ins and staff held on)
- We work with all stakeholders in the communities to minimize the challenges.
- Fire in the Head Office – we were lucky insurance covered us.
- Internal problems – finding the right people to take the business forward for growth.
- Business is now becoming digitalized, and we need to move quicker.
7. Can you tell us about the company culture at Silulo Ulutho Technologies and how it supports and fosters innovation and creativity?
- We have 5 values (Growth, Excellence, Teamwork, Entrepreneurship, Make a Difference).We encourage staff to mention new ideas and most of our growth post-Covid has been ideas from staff.We have daily engagement that enables us to deal with issues quicker.We encourage transparency. We share the financials daily, monthly, quarterly, and annually.Thursdays are reserved to share the Silulo Culture and DNA.
8. Can you discuss the company’s plans for future growth and expansion, both domestically and internationally?
- In the next 3 years, we will open 25 stores.We will move inland (Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga).In the next 10 years, we want to be in every township in SA.
- We want to go deeper by offering online, e-commerce and cloud services. To be a channel for many companies to access the township.