In many corners of South Africa, stories of quiet resilience and creative enterprise often go unnoticed—yet they are the very lifeblood of township economies.
One such remarkable story comes from Soshanguve, a densely populated township just north of Pretoria in Gauteng, where young entrepreneur Justice Mahole Seabi has emerged as a symbol of hope, innovation, and determination, he told Briefly News.
Amid the uncertainty and economic devastation brought on by the Covid‑19 pandemic, Seabi—armed with little more than a university degree, determination, and a keen eye for community needs—launched a local internet café.
But this was no ordinary café housed in a shiny building with fast fibre and rows of computers. Instead, it was started inside a modest shack, built from corrugated iron sheets and wooden planks, a setting that reflected the resource constraints so many township entrepreneurs face.
Yet, it was precisely this humble beginning that made the venture so inspiring.
During lockdown, millions across South Africa faced a hard stop to their usual routines—especially those who depended on physical access to workplaces, educational facilities, and public infrastructure.
The shift to digital platforms exposed and widened the digital divide, particularly in townships like Soshanguve, where many households have no access to personal computers, printers, or even stable internet connections.
Seeing this growing gap, Seabi identified an opportunity to make a difference.
He transformed his small structure into a local tech hub—offering essential services such as internet browsing, printing, typing, and document scanning—all at prices his neighbours could afford.
What began as a necessity for survival became a community lifeline: a place where students could complete online schoolwork, job seekers could apply for work, and residents could stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
His story, highlighted by Briefly News, sparked admiration across social media platforms, where images of the internet café nestled inside a shack drew praise for his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to serving his community in tough conditions.
In a country where unemployment, inequality, and lack of access to resources continue to plague youth, especially in townships, Seabi’s initiative became a beacon of possibility.
What makes Seabi’s journey compelling is not just the business itself—but the broader message it carries: that solutions don’t always require big capital or ideal conditions. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to start, with whatever little they have, and a vision for how their actions can impact those around them.
As Seabi’s story continues to unfold, it serves as a timely reminder of the power of grassroots innovation, and the untapped potential lying within South Africa’s informal and township economies.
Description: Justice Mahole Seabi, a young graduate from Soshanguve, Gauteng, turned a small shack into a fully operational internet café during the Covid‑19 lockdown. With limited resources but a clear vision, he created a space where learners, job seekers, and local residents could access affordable internet services. His inspiring story, as reported by Briefly News and Drum/News24, highlights the power of community-driven innovation and the impact of grassroots entrepreneurship in bridging the digital divide.
Editor’s Note: Th In Soshanguve, like many South African townships, access to affordable internet is a serious challenge. Instead of waiting for government or big companies to step in, Seabi took it upon himself to provide a solution—democratising access to online services where it was needed most. His story reminds us that those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution.
Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project Manager: Do4SA
