Masisizane Fund

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

02/10/2026

A business can have customers, ambition and real potential to grow, and still struggle to secure funding. Often, the missing piece is investment readiness. Masisizane Fund, an initiative of Old Mutual, has launched a new programme to help growth-stage SMEs build the systems, financial discipline and governance that investors expect.

To take us through the Masisizane Investment Readiness Programme, John Maytham recently spoke to Thabang Hleza, Head of Investments: Old Mutual Masisizane Fund.

Listen to the full conversation on Primedia+: https://buff.ly/ju4uslw

26/08/2026

Access to funding is often seen as the biggest hurdle facing small businesses. But what if the real challenge is being ready for investment in the first place?

In this SAfmRadio interview, Thabang Hleza, Head of Investments at Masisizane Fund, unpacks why investment readiness matters, what funders look for in growing businesses, and how the new Masisizane Investment Readiness Programme (MIRP) is helping entrepreneurs strengthen the fundamentals needed to access growth capital. The 12‑month programme focuses on areas such as financial management, governance, operational capability and business growth planning, helping SMEs become more fundable and better positioned for sustainable growth.

Listen to the interview and learn how your business can prepare for its next stage of growth.

https://soundcloud.com/masisizane-fund/masisizane-investment?si=e65f5c43404c413b886fcb631b0440d7&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

11/08/2026

Applications are now open for the Masisizane Investment Readiness Programme!

Is your business ready for its next phase of growth?

The Masisizane Investor Readiness Programme - implemented by TEKSA Holdings and 22 On Sloane - is looking for high-potential, profit-making businesses ready to become investment-ready.
Through the twelve-month programme, participating businesses will gain the knowledge, tools and support needed to position your business for funding opportunities of R1 million to R20 million through the Masisizane Fund.

This opportunity is for businesses that are:
- Established, black-owned and profit-making
- Ready to scale
- Operating in the Services and Logistics sectors

Apply here : https://kumii.africa/masisizane-apply
and take the next step towards sustainable business growth.

31/07/2026

What will it take to unlock more opportunities for South African entrepreneurs?

Join Ndumiso Zulu on Day 1 of the 2026 Black Business Summit (Wednesday, 12 August) at the Radisson OR Tambo Convention Centre, Kempton Park, as he contributes to a panel discussion exploring practical solutions to improve funding access for black-owned, women-owned and youth-owned businesses.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of enterprise development.

Register here: https://rapidq.co.za/dashboard/ #/register/2719/0/1

Old Mutual South Africa

29/07/2026

"What if the real question isn't why SMEs aren't funded, but why they're not fundable?"

That's one of the key questions explored by Thabang Hleza in this insightful article on rethinking SME funding in South Africa.

Read more here: https://smesouthafrica.co.za/from-cheque-writer-to-capacity-partner-a-new-funding-model-for-south-africa-smes/

Old Mutual South Africa SME South Africa

Old Mutual's Masisizane Fund is switching from writing cheques to becoming a capacity partner that helps businesses thrive.

24/06/2026

“Funding exists, but many businesses are not ready to access it.”

Our CEO, Ndumiso Zulu, joined Kaya 959 Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi to unpack the realities behind SME funding in South Africa.

In this Kaya Biz conversation, Ndumiso unpacks:
• Why many businesses struggle to secure funding
• The critical role of investment readiness
• How support beyond funding unlocks sustainable growth

At Masisizane Fund, we believe funding is a partnership, combining capital with the tools, support and guidance entrepreneurs need to succeed.

🎧 Listen to the full interview: https://on.soundcloud.com/QoB2yi0zJe13cGFUiF

Old Mutual's Group Social Investments CEO, Ndumiso Zulu sat on a panel discussion hosted by Kaya FM's Gugu Mfuphi, unpacking SME Funding in South Africa.

22/06/2026

“We need to start seeing young people as job creators, not job seekers.”

A powerful reminder from Ndumiso Zulu.

Entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a business; it’s about identifying problems and delivering meaningful solutions, and it’s a skill that can be developed from an early age.

Real change becomes possible when we begin early, shaping mindsets at home, in classrooms, and across our communities.
What do you think: should entrepreneurship be taught from school

What do you think: should entrepreneurship be taught from school level?

Read more here:

In this episode, the CEO of Group Social Investments at Old Mutual, Ndumiso Zulu, says learning to speak business should start in the classroom to build early confidence, financial literacy, and opportunity-seeking behaviour.

05/06/2026

We’re scaling our support for South African SMMEs by partnering with financial institutions committed to driving real economic transformation.

Through Masisizane Fund, Old Mutual South Africa provides wholesale funding to regulated specialist lenders and non-bank financial institutions that share our dedication to responsible lending, credit discipline, sustainable job creation and the maintenance of strong risk management and governance standards.

Are you a financial partner ready to make greater impact? We invite you to view our partnership criteria and submit your proposal to help us scale finance for those who need it most.

Learn more here: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/business/solutions/masisizane/wholesale-funding/