First up: Sonto Pooe
As you may have seen in
New on TV Today, SABC1's new entrepreneurial show It Started with a Thought premieres this evening (25 June) at 18h00.
It spotlights everyday South African entrepreneurs who've invented something that's turned out to be a success.
Each episode focuses on one person and their story. They had an idea and then went out and
did it.
We lurve entrepeneurs so we're featuring the teasers here. There are 26 episodes in total and seven are available so far - we'll update with more once they become available.
Comin' up:
Thursday 25 June 2026
Episode 1
Native Child
This documentary follows the entrepreneurial journey of Sonto Pooe, founder of Native Child, a proudly South African natural hair and skincare brand that has grown into a respected name within the beauty industry.
The episode explores how Sonto transformed a community need into a thriving business, while overcoming emotional, financial and personal challenges along the way.
Through her story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination, the documentary positions Native Child as more than a brand but a symbol of identity, empowerment and self-belief.
Thursday 2 July 2026
Episode 2
Gcwalisa
Gcwalisa, founded by Miles Kubheka, uses an innovative weigh-and-pay system to give township families affordable access to food, helping them avoid bulk buying and hidden costs.
Thursday 9 July 2026
Episode 3
Ting Tang Tea
Ting Tang Tea is a proudly South African, 100% Black woman-owned wellness brand founded by mother-and-daughter duo Sibongile Isaacs and Zanda Isaacs, blending three generations of indigenous knowledge with a modern approach to wellness.
Born of a desire to transform traditional remedies into teas that are both effective and enjoyable, the company has grown from a family kitchen into a nationally stocked herbal tea range that offers loose-leaf teas, teabags, lattes and tonics.
Thursday 16 July 2026
Episode 4
The Mighty House Soap
Through his innovative company Mighty House of Soap, Thuso has transformed used cooking oil into high-quality cold and hot-processed soap, turning waste into opportunity through a circular economy model.
By collecting discarded oil from local eateries, the business not only solves a major disposal challenge for small food businesses but also reduces pressure on municipal waste and drainage systems.
Thursday 23 July 2026
Episode 5
Leafline
This episode follows Candy Androliakos, founder of Leafline, a groundbreaking social enterprise that produces washable, reusable sanitary products made with innovative inner linings extracted from pineapple leaf fibres.
What began as a compassionate response to the struggles of elderly residents facing the high cost of disposable nappies evolved into a world-first South African innovation.
The product tackles period poverty, adult incontinence and environmental waste simultaneously, while creating employment opportunities for women living with disabilities.
Thursday 30 July 2026
Episode 6
Nene
This episode follows Anje Nene, whose hustle began as a cash-strapped university student selling second-hand textbooks and screen protectors before building Nene’s into a growing food brand.
From exhausting early mornings frying amagwinya to surviving financial hardship, public setbacks and the devastating impact of COVID-19, Anje’s story is one of relentless resilience and determination.
Thursday 6 August 2026
Episode 7
My Big Little Farm
What started as a father's search for a healthier protein source for his son evolved into a thriving quail farming business.
This episode follows Lekgomo Malatjie, founder of My Big Little Farm, as he transforms a small backyard project into a growing agricultural enterprise supplying niche food markets and restaurants.
Driven by innovation and determination, Lekgomo navigates the challenges of scaling production while building a sustainable business.
His story is a testament to how a simple idea can hatch into an unexpected entrepreneurial success.
Thursday 13 August 2026
Episode 8
The Breadbox Bakery & Studio
What began in a grandmother’s kitchen has grown into a thriving bakery, training studio, and baking premix business in Midrand.
After years in the corporate world, founder Matlhogonolo Ledwaba discovered her true purpose while teaching unemployed women how to bake from home.
That simple act sparked The Breadbox Bakery & Studio, which now employs 12 people across production, training, packaging, logistics, and sales.
Combining handcrafted baked goods with professionally formulated premixes, the company is making baking more accessible, reliable, and empowering for aspiring home bakers and entrepreneurs alike.
Thursday 20 August 2026
Episode 9
Madame Clucks A Lot
Ntobeko Mafu, a mother, author and entrepreneur from Nhlazatshe, Edendale, transforms a life shaped by hardship and GBV into a story of resilience and purpose.
After losing her father and becoming responsible for her family, she turned to writing and built her first chicken coop from the proceeds of her book.
What began as a means of survival grew into Madame Clucks A Lot, an innovative agricultural business focused on poultry, organic farming, food security and youth development.
Despite business failure, financial struggles, load shedding and being underestimated as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Ntobeko refused to give up.
Thursday 27 August 2026
Episode 10
Tosh Detergents
Lufuno Rasoesoe founded Tosh Detergents during COVID-19, turning a 200-litre garage operation into a proudly South African manufacturing brand.
Combining engineering with indigenous knowledge, Tosh creates affordable, sustainable cleaning products for homes and businesses.
The company partners with traditional leaders and local women to responsibly harvest indigenous resources while creating economic opportunities.
Through manufacturing, training and empowerment, Tosh is creating jobs and supporting communities.
From humble beginnings to national growth, Lufuno’s story is one of resilience, innovation and the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Thursday 3 September 2026
Episode 11
Nic & Nic
In 2016, husband and wife Nicholas and Nichole Nyalungu left their corporate careers to turn waste into meaningful, sustainable products.
Their business, Nic & Nic, transforms discarded tyre tubes, banners and promotional materials into innovative bags, accessories and corporate gifts.
In 2020, they traded city life for the remote Makhonjwa Mountains in Mpumalanga, building their home, workshop and business from scratch.
Today, their vision extends beyond upcycling to creating rural employment, skills development and an eco-tourism experience rooted in sustainability and community.
Nic & Nic is a powerful story of courage, faith and purpose, proving that one thought can transform waste into opportunity and a dream into a meaningful life.
Premiere episodes It Started with a Thought airs on SABC1 on Thursdays at 18h00.