The first Telkom FutureMakers TrailblazeHER cohort connected with investors and industry leaders at their graduation ceremony held at Killarney Country Club on 26 August 2026, creating valuable networks and opportunities to take their businesses to the next level.

TrailblazeHER, a three-month accelerator, is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and connections needed to scale their businesses, and position them for success.

The programme supported ten black women-owned technology enterprises, selected based on their potential for growth and their need for targeted support. Over the past three months, the founders participated in an immersive programme focused on leadership, digital skills, business development and access to networks, helping them strengthen their businesses and prepare for their next stage of growth.

In celebration of the strides the founders made during the programme, TrailblazeHER held its inaugural graduation ceremony under the theme “Make Your Next Move”. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors and executives for a day of golf, conversation and connection, giving the founders an opportunity to engage with key industry leaders and expand their networks.

As part of the programme, each founder received R100,000 in grant funding to address specific gaps identified through the accelerator. The businesses will also embark on a five-year digital transformation journey with Telkom FutureMakers, extending the support beyond the accelerator and helping them build the digital capabilities needed to sustain and scale their businesses.

The graduating businesses also gained direct access to investors, industry expertise and valuable networks through Telkom FutureMakers’ partnership with Jozi Angels, opening doors to connections and opportunities that can help accelerate their next stage of growth.

TrailblazeHER forms part of Telkom FutureMakers’ broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, enterprise development and inclusive participation in the digital economy. Through its programmes, Telkom FutureMakers creates opportunities for emerging businesses to access funding, skills development, mentorship, technology, markets and networks that can help them become more sustainable and competitive.

“As a Group and through Telkom FutureMakers, we are proud of what has been made possible through this initiative,” said Tshepo Phetla, Executive: Business Development and ESD at Telkom.

“The women came into TrailblazeHER with established businesses, ambition and a clear desire to grow. Through the accelerator, the founders have been able to sharpen their capabilities and think more deliberately about what comes next. They leave with stronger businesses, greater confidence, and a clearer sense of what is possible,” Phetla added.

The programme was delivered in partnership with The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development, bringing together expertise in technology innovation, incubation, enterprise development, financial management and governance.

For the founders, the value of TrailblazeHER extended beyond the business skills and funding. It created a space for them to learn from one another, build relationships and gain exposure to people and opportunities that could help accelerate their growth.

Simone Julies Wicomb, founder of Black Elegance Group, said the programme provided greater clarity, strengthened her confidence and helped sharpen her path forward.

“I have become more confident in speaking about my business and the value we offer. I also leave with a stronger network and a clearer roadmap for our next stage of growth. There is something powerful about being in a room where women are not competing but genuinely want to see one another succeed,” Wicomb said.

For Thobile Nyawo, founder and CEO of Nyawo Group, the networks, mentorship and learning she gained through the programme challenged her to broaden her thinking.

“TrailblazeHER gave us access to expertise, networks and market opportunities that would have taken much longer to reach independently. Now I’ve got an opportunity to scale on my ideas and build even better,” Nyawo said.

Coinciding with the close of Women’s Month, the graduation marks an important milestone for women-led businesses in South Africa and highlights the importance of deliberate investment in entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to funding, networks and market access.

For Telkom FutureMakers, the graduation is not the end of the TrailblazeHER journey. It marks the beginning of the next phase, as the founders put their learnings into action, strengthen their businesses and pursue new opportunities with continued support through their five-year digital transformation journey.

TrailblazeHER applications for the next cohort will open in February 2027, with the new cohort set to begin the programme in March 2027.