Thokozani Buthelezi

Raised by his grandmother in Ekangala, Gauteng, Thokozani Buthelezi, 21, grew up without a con- sistent male role model but found inspiration in the values of perseverance, independence and vision. A final-year Diploma in Taxation student at Durban University of Technology, Thokozani is also the founder of Myco-Feeds, a mushroom farming venture using agricultural waste to produce high-quality oyster mushrooms. He manages every aspect of production, transforming coffee grounds, wheat straw and sawdust into nutrient-rich food. His “grow room”? A rented parking lot in the city centre. This resourcefulness has earned him accolades, including JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur, Hult Prize On-Campus Winner, and international recognition from the UAE FoodTech Challenge and Iris Prize. Balancing business and study, Buthelezi uses his accounting knowledge to shape a financially sustainable model with community impact at its core. Myco-Feeds isn’t just a farm — it’s a movement toward circular economy thinking, youth employment and climate-smart agriculture. He credits his mentors — Master Mahlobogoane and Lana-Ann Brady — for instilling in him the confidence and expertise to lead.

Diploma in taxation, Durban University of Technology (DUT) – final-year student

• Recognised as a JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur for developing an innovative, sustainability-focused business model that transforms agricultural waste into high-quality oyster mushrooms
• Winner of the Hult Prize On-Campus Competition, which refined the business model to ensure profitability with measurable social impact
• Ranked in the top five of the Harmony Gold Food and Employment Competition, promoting employment and addressing community needs
• Named a top 10 finalist in the Ford Community Challenges Competition, reinforcing the importance of job creation and community development
• Shortlisted for the UAE FoodTech Challenge, which recognised the global relevance of the solution for food security in challenging environments
• Shortlisted for the Iris Prize, an international award recognising youth-led environmental initiatives and the ecological impact of the business

• Mr Master Mahlobogoane became a mentor and father figure during my formative years in Ekangala. Initially meeting him as a pastor, he provided invaluable guidance on business, networking, and self-presentation, particularly in professional spaces among accomplished individuals. His mentorship laid the foundation for my early understanding of entrepreneurship and personal conduct.
• Miss Lana-Ann Brady, my former Enactus Faculty advisor and an entrepreneurship lecturer at the Durban University of Technology, became instrumental in the development of Myco-Feeds. Through direct mentorship, she provided specialised training in the mushroom industry and facilitated access to key resources. Her support and belief in my vision were critical in transforming Myco-Feeds from an idea into a viable venture.