As we mark Youth Month, we are reminded of the high rate of youth unemployment in South Africa, which according to Statistics South Africa stands at 46,1% among youth aged between 15 to 34 years old.
One way to address this crisis is to encourage young people to start their own businesses.
Inspiring stories often emerge from the most unexpected places. Kabelo Ncholo’s journey is one such tale. As the Founder and CEO of Y-Brand, Kabelo’s rise from modest beginnings to a leading figure in the country’s marketing industry showcases his resilience, innovation and relentless dedication. But Kabelo’s success isn’t just personal; it’s a powerful narrative of community impact and industry transformation. His ascent to prominence lights the way for countless aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, offering hope and motivation.
Kabelo’s entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. “Like many South Africans, I became an entrepreneur by default with no business background at all. I was fending for myself,” he explains. At just 19 years old, coming from a poor background with a single mother working as a domestic worker, Kabelo’s primary goal was survival. The business he founded with a mere R350 tip while working as a waiter in 2004 has since transformed Kabelo’s life and the lives of many others. Today, Y-Brand boasts six offices across Africa, including locations in South Africa, Namibia and Zambia. Kabelo’s journey is a powerful reminder that great things can come from the humblest beginnings, and that determination and hard work can lead to extraordinary success.
Reflecting on his leadership style, Kabelo shares: “My entrepreneurial journey has influenced my leadership style in so many ways. Back when I worked as a waiter, I discovered that maintaining a successful business depends on keeping customers. “This customer-centric approach has been a cornerstone of Y-Brand’s success.
Kabelo emphasises the importance of personal development and continuous learning, which led him to enroll in various business schools to acquire the necessary acumen. “I purposefully place myself in uncomfortable situations because I understand that’s what growth is,” he asserts. His commitment to evolving and adapting has not only benefited his business but also set a standard for others in the industry to follow.
Since founding Y-Brand in 2004, Kabelo has achieved several significant milestones. Reaching the 20-year mark as a business is a testament to the company’s vision of existing for over 100 years. Transforming the lives of over 300 full-time employees and employing over 1000 seasonal workers during peak times is another proud achievement.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (Specialising in Executive Management) from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a Business Degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, a Project Management qualification from the University of South Africa and an Events Management qualification from Damelin College.
His career accolades are: 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year – Winner by Top Empowerment Awards, 2024 CEO of the Year – Finalist by The Future of HR Awards, 2023, 2019 and 2017 Top Empowered Entrepreneur Award – Finalist by Top Empowerment Awards, 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Winner Gauteng Social Development: The South African Men of the Year Awards, 2017 Businessman of the Year Award – Finalist by Cape Media; Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards, 2018 Commitment to Transformation Recognition by Topco Media and in 2016, he was named in the Top 100 Young Independent Leaders in Africa by Independent Media.
His business accolades are: 2024: Winner – Employer of Choice: Small – Medium Organisations by The Future of HR Awards, 2024 Youth Development Company – Finalist by the HR Awards, 2024 Finalist – Top Empowered Company by the Top Empowerment Awards, 2023 Runner-Up Fast Growth Black-Owned SMME of the Year by the Top Empowerment Awards, 2019 and 2016 Finalist – Fast Growth Black-Owned SMME by the Top Empowerment Awards, 2018 Commitment to Transformation Recognition by Topco Media, 2016 Winner – New and Innovative Business by the Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards, 2016 Finalist – Business of the Year by First National Bank and Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ROCCI) Awards.
Kabelo is an established author; his business autobiography sold over 20 000 copies. He was a Global Entrepreneur Ambassador from 2016 to 2019. He is also a public speaker specialising in topics such as Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Business Growth and Marketing Strategies.
For more on Y-Brand, visit: www.ybrand.co.za
