Baphile Duba

Hailing from the small town of Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, Baphile Duba, 28, is redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur in South Africa. As the founder and chief executive of Just-In-Time Logistics, he has built a transport and logistics company from the ground up, providing removal and shuttle services with a client-centric approach. What began as a bootstrap venture has grown into a reliable enterprise — but Baphile’s entrepreneurial drive doesn’t stop with logistics. Through his youth development initiative, Mind Newtrition, he champions literacy, public speaking and entrepreneurship in under-resourced communities. Baphile is also an academic, lecturing in business strategy, transport and logistics at the University of Johannesburg and AFDA. Armed with an MBA in digital transformation, a Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management, and hands-on experience across academia and industry, he fuses innovation with mentorship to unlock new pathways for others. His work reflects a core belief: start where you are, use what you have and do what you can. For Baphile, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses — it’s about building futures.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Digital Transformation, Johannesburg Business School — focus on strategic innovation and the impact of emerging technologies on business
• Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management, University of Johannesburg
• Advanced Diploma in Transport Management, University of Johannesburg
• National Diploma in Transport Management, University of Johannesburg

• Founded Just-In-Time Logistics, a transport and logistics company built from the ground up — often funded through part-time work. 
• Founded Mind Newtrition, a youth-focused initiative supporting literacy, public speaking and entrepreneurship development in underprivileged areas.
• Lecturing at academic institutions including the University of Johannesburg and AFDA, with a focus on inspiring and mentoring future business leaders and supply chain professionals
• Presented at academic and industry events, including talks on revitalising retail and mental wellness in leadership

I deeply admire my mother, Nancy Lumka Duba — she has been a constant source of strength, discipline and wisdom. Growing up in a rural community with limited resources, she instilled in me the values of hard work, humility and service to others. Her resilience and unwavering support have shaped much of who I am today. Professionally, I have been inspired by several mentors and lecturers throughout my academic journey, especially those who challenged me to think critically and dream beyond my circumstances. Their belief in my potential helped me develop confidence, pursue further education and eventually become an educator myself. I also draw inspiration from entrepreneurial leaders who build solutions for real-world problems, especially in underdeveloped areas — people who balance purpose and profit to make a lasting impact. Their work reminds me that success is not just about personal gain but about uplifting others along the way.