Awethu Project

The Awethu Project is a black and youth owned leading SMME (Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises) Investment Company that was started in 2009 by Rob Le Blanc and Yusuf Rendera-Rees. The vision is that of liberating South Africa’s potential both socially and economically by investing in its entrepreneurs to help curb unemployment. Backed by individuals and institutions ranging both internationally and locally, Awethu has grown from R60 000 start-up into an institution with R160 million to invest in their vision. Awethu has incubated hundreds of entrepreneurs and positively impacted the lives of thousands of people. They have been recognised internationally by the Echoing Green Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, and locally by institutions such as Discovery Holdings, the South African Government and individuals such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nku Nyembezi-Heita. One entrepreneur at a time, Awethu is helping to build a country that everyone wants to live in… a fair country which provides an opportunity to every South African to release their potential.