What if one of South Africa’s most problematic invasive plants could become the raw material for a globally recognised design business – while creating economic opportunities for women in local communities? This is the vision behind Thekga Movement, founded by Boitumelo ‘Tumi’ Mphahlele, who has been named the winner of Sanlam Private Wealth’s inaugural Ventures Foundation programme.
Launched to identify and support exceptional South African creative entrepreneurs, the Ventures Foundation helps promising designers turn their talent into sustainable, globally relevant businesses. The 2026 programme attracted more than 150 entries from across the country, with 12 candidates selected for a two-day business bootcamp and one-on-one assessments. Five finalists then embarked on a five-month mentorship journey with industry experts.
Tumi ultimately took top honours for an approach that is as inventive as it is purposeful. She uses water hyacinth and other invasive alien plants to create tactile, sculptural textiles, finding commercial potential in an environmental challenge. But it wasn’t only the originality of her work that impressed the judges. Thekga Movement also stood out for its business model, which combines environmental innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact.
‘This win is not just for me. It’s for the ladies who inspire me every day, who wake up and go to the wetlands and participate in the mission and the movement to clean up our environment, create opportunities for economic development, and make South Africa a better place,’ an emotional Tumi said shortly after the announcement.
A model for sustainability
Tumi’s ambitions extend well beyond the products themselves. Thekga Movement trains and works with a growing network of female artisans, encouraging them to formalise as cooperatives and become micro-manufacturing partners. Each product is graded to an agreed standard and every maker is paid fairly, creating a model in which the economic benefits can grow alongside the business.
She has also spent years developing relationships with local municipalities, creating mutual benefit between her supply chain and the landscapes from which it draws. Tumi describes herself, with characteristic humour, as ‘the alien lady’ – and points out that there are plenty of aliens out there and plenty of work still to do.
Building commercial strength
An important part of the Ventures Foundation programme is helping entrepreneurs develop the commercial skills needed to build sustainable businesses. Alongside mentorship, participants gain practical business training and access to networks and markets.
For Tumi, this meant putting a stronger commercial framework around an already compelling vision. During the programme, she worked on brand strategy, financial modelling, pricing, target market definition and measurable goals. Her prototype, manufactured by Rugalia, brought her vision to life through refined craftsmanship, materials and design.
Her next step will take her to Paris in September, where she will experience Maison&Objet, one of the world’s foremost showcases of design and innovation. This marks the beginning of a bold craft-to-legacy journey, with continued support, industry exposure and opportunities designed to help grow Thekga Movement and expand its reach.
Said Theesan Moodley, CEO of Sanlam Private Wealth: ‘Tumi’s story has certainly captured what we set out to achieve with Ventures Foundation: helping talented creative entrepreneurs combine their craft with the commercial foundations needed to build businesses that can grow and endure.’
The journey continues
Tumi’s fellow finalists have their own reason to celebrate. Their one-of-a-kind rugs and wall hangings, first exhibited at 100% Design Africa, are now being displayed at the Alice Lane Gallery in Sandton. The pieces will subsequently be auctioned, with the proceeds going back into the Ventures Foundation to support the next generation of South African creative entrepreneurs.
And the journey is only beginning. The Ventures Foundation will return in 2027, giving a new group of creative entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their businesses and take their work further. More information about the next programme, including how you can get involved, will follow soon.
Ventures Foundation NPC is an approved Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) in terms of section 30 of the Income Tax Act (exemption reference no. 930091387) and is approved under section 18A to issue tax-deductible receipts for qualifying donations.
