20/02/2026
From Qwaqwa to Winning Business Awards
By Michael Tamelinth (Free State World)
Thato Boiphihlelo Molaba is a young entrepreneur from Qwaqwa in the Free State, making significant strides in the business world. He runs a small business consulting agency called Thatohatsi Developments, which he established in 2017.
Since its inception, his agency has registered and developed over 250 small businesses, both nationally and internationally. Thato is also the founder and brand owner of Sqhaqhabola Indigenous Motoho, an aspiring beverage company focused on creating jobs for youth and empowering entrepreneurs. His hard work has earned him respect and several awards in business circles.
Thato has a strong leadership background, having served in the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and the Student Representative Council (SRC) during his college years. He was also elected as a ward councilor candidate in the 2021 Local Government elections.
In addition to running his business, Thato makes a positive impact in his community by donating food and sanitary towels to school learners and organizing skills development workshops for unemployed youth in his area.
With Sqhaqhabola Indigenous Motoho, Thato aims to hire ten young people by 2025, with plans to increase that number in the coming years. Thato’s business journey has not been easy, but he has achieved remarkable success.
Originally from Qwaqwa, he studied Marketing Management and worked for various companies in Gauteng and the Free State. He founded his first business, Thatohatsi Developments, in Mangaung Village, Qwa Qwa, which has since helped to develop over 250 companies.
Thatohatsi Developments focuses on identifying youth-owned informal businesses and providing them with development support. The agency also engages in social responsibility programs each year and actively contributes to the community.
In 2024, Thato established Sqhaqhabola Indigenous Motoho, which has already won a national award. With this product, Thato aims to make a global impact and create employment while reviving the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Free State province.
Sqhaqhabola Indigenous Motoho is a yellow maize, handcrafted beverage that offers customers an authentic Basotho breakfast.
Thato's achievements in business include being a provincial finalist in the 2024 MSME Presidential Pitch Competitions and winning the National Special Gold Award at the 2024 Institute Packaging of South Africa and GoldPack Awards.
