Meet the people behind South Africa’s small businesses

SMEs are behind 60% of South Africa’s employment. Get to know some of the people driving South Africa’s economy.

David stands in the storeroom of Truth Coffee in front of sacks of coffee beans.

Celebrating small business people

The people behind small business

Far from faceless corporations, small businesses are defined by those who founded them and worked their way to success. Read some of their stories here.

  • Included
    Lethu from Ukhamba Beerworx
  • Included
    Craig from York Surf
  • Included
    Billy from Assemble
  • Included
    David from Truth Coffee

Lethu from Ukhamba Beerworx

This is Lethukuthula Tshabangu, founder of Ukhamba Beerworx – a Cape Town-based brewery. He’s passionate about beer.

Read Lethu’s story
Head and shoulders photo of Lethu Tshabangus.

Craig from York Surf

This is Craig, co-founder of York Surf, manufacturers of quality surfboards. He wants to make amazing products.

Read Craig’s story
Head and shoulders photo of Craig Paul.

Billy from Assemble

Meet Billy, founder of Assemble – a software solutions company based in Johannesburg that’s making lives a little easier.

Read Billy’s story
Head and shoulders photo of Billy Einkamerer

David from Truth Coffee

Meet David, founder of Truth Coffee, a cafe and roastery in Cape Town, who’s producing “the joy of extraordinary truth”.

Read David’s story
Head and shoulders photo of David Donde

Get Xero behind your business

The small business owners featured in this series all use Xero online accounting to save time and get paid faster.

Learn more about Xero
The Xero dashboard displays charts of key business metrics on a laptop screen.

Plans to suit your business

All pricing plans cover the accounting essentials, with room to grow.

Starter

Usually R435

Now R43.50

ZAR per month

Save R1174.50 over 3 months

Standard

Usually R695

Now R69.50

ZAR per month

Save R1876.50 over 3 months

Premium

Usually R955

Now R95.50

ZAR per month

Save R2578.50 over 3 months

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.