Entrepreneurship
27
SheCab
Website
“I am passionate about providing safe, reliable, and empowering transportation options for women,” says Maambele Khosa, 27, the founder and director of SheCab, a women’s transportation company.
Maambele is completing her master’s degree in science and technology at the University of Stellenbosch. She has a BSc in geoinformatics and information systems management and a postgraduate diploma in marketing postgraduate diploma in marketing from the same institution.
Maambele is committed to the unique challenges that women face when it comes to getting around, and is committed to addressing these challenges through innovative solutions. The SheCab team prioritises safety and security above all else, and ensures that their passengers feel comfortable and confident. SheCab provides ride-hailing, shuttle and corporate transportation services.
While overseeing all aspects of the business, including operations, marketing, talent acquisition, and product development, Maambele is also actively involved in driving clients on weekends and early mornings to stay connected with the experiences of the team.
What would she like South Africa to look like in five years? “I envision a future where we fully embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of economic growth and job creation. I believe that it is crucial for our government and private sector leaders to prioritise investment in these areas,” she says.
- Enrolled for master’s in science and technology (University of Stellenbosch),
- Postgraduate diploma in marketing (University of Stellenbosch)
- BSc in geoinformatics and information systems management (University of Stellenbosch)
- Global Entrepreneur certificate from Northwestern University in Chicago in 2018
- Global Students Leader acknowledgment from Pace University in Texas in 2019
- Dragons Den winner at the International summer school held at Stellenbosch University
As a 14-year-old, I asked my mother to buy me a popular phone (Blackberry), but she didn’t have the money. Instead, during school holidays, she challenged me to sell a tombstone at her family business, and I would earn a percentage towards the phone. It took me 5 days to make one sale because people were hesitant to trust a young girl. The experience taught me valuable lessons about gaining trust, working hard for what I want, and sales skills. But most importantly, it showed me that running a business is not easy. This memory has spurred me to work hard towards achieving my goals and overcoming challenges with determination and persistence.
Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. This may involve stepping outside of your comfort zone, but it’s important to push yourself to grow and learn.
I envision a future where we fully embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of economic growth and job creation. I believe that it is crucial for our government and private sector leaders to prioritise investment in these areas. Additionally, investing in education and skills development for women will enable women to fully participate in a competitive and prosperous economy. I hope that we will prioritise and invest in these areas to ensure a brighter future for all South Africans.