2018 Top 35-under-35 Finalist: Thapelo Nimrod Kuze

Thapelo Kuze is a founder, of and chairman and visionary at Thapelo Kuze Foundation. He provides strategic guidance in the development of SMEs through various business platform in Nelson Mandela Bay through NuWays Solutions Group and being a Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber task team member.

He has recently launched a strategic entrepreneurial foundation which focuses on developing high school learners from previously disadvantaged communities as well as students to become the best version of themselves through education and entrepreneurship.

Thapelo’s natural innovative talent led by his vision to transform the basic education sector saw him setting up an innovative, integrated and inclusive operational leadership model. All key stakeholders are included in the model, such as business leaders in the commerce industry, academia, Department of Basic Education district directors, principals, teachers, learners and students, professionals, and medical practitioners.

Thapelo serves in various boards of companies in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. He also actively serves in various SAICA committees to promote the profession in townships by co-ordinating exhibitions. He is also a highly respected motivational speaker and has delivered keynote speeches at Nelson Mandela University and Rhodes University leadership student structures. Thapelo Kuze Foundation has a student chapter at Nelson Mandela University and Rhodes University with the intention of expanding to all South African universities.