Risuna Maluleke, 28, is a builder of ecosystems, institutions and futures. As the group chief executive of the African Entrepreneurship Development Corporation and chief entrepreneurship officer at the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), Risuna is redefining how young Africans engage with enterprise development. His organisations have employed 60 South Africans, including 20 youth in the core team and 40 more through subsidiaries. Key programmes under his leadership include: SheRises Empowerment Fund, advancing women entrepreneurs; YAEI x Absa Youth Programme, which has reached 2 700+ youth; Emerging Innovators Fund, in partnership with Absa and Visa; the North West Innovation Hub, launched with North-West University and Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism; and the Wholesale and Retail Seta Sustainable Enterprise Development Programme. A Wits alumnus with degrees in accounting, marketing, and business science, Risuna is also serves as a non-executive board member of the Field Band Foundation, empowering township and rural youth through music.
I look up to several individuals who have each played a unique and invaluable role in my personal and professional growth. Prof Stella Bvuma, my mother and father, Dr Steven Zwane, both my grandmothers, my advisory board, academic supervisor, Mr Tom Mkhwanazi, and Dr Kenneth Mabunda — to mention a few — have all contributed significantly to the person I am today. From instilling a strong work ethic and deep spirituality to teaching me the foundational principles of life, each of them affirms the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I am deeply grounded in their wisdom and guidance. While I do not have formal mentors in the traditional sense, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a circle of quality friends and siblings who journey with me across borders and milestones. Special mention to Chairman, Hasi, Humbe, Matsile, Felix, Vuyo and Langa — each one is a true reflection of the principle that iron sharpens iron. Their support, accountability and shared vision make all the difference in this journey.