Tshediso Kgosi Mahange is more than an educator; he is an entrepreneur with a bold vision to transform the landscape of education in South Africa. As the founder of Ulwazi Olubanzi Leadership Academy, Tshediso recognized a critical gap in traditional learning systems and turned his passion for education into a thriving enterprise aimed at developing future leaders. With a deep commitment to social impact, he has skillfully combined his entrepreneurial acumen with a relentless drive to empower young minds, fostering an environment where students are not just taught, but inspired to think critically and lead with confidence. Through innovative approaches and a clear mission, Tshediso is reshaping how education is delivered and ensuring that his legacy will be one of empowerment and transformation.
Origin and Inspiration
A Love for Mathematics and a Deeper Calling
“I can trace the roots of my business from as early as Grade 2,” says Tshediso, reflecting on his lifelong love for Mathematics. Growing up in a family where he was the only boy, Tshediso often found himself isolated and seeking a sense of belonging. This led him to a unique way of connecting with others—through teaching and helping with schoolwork.
“Given how I grew up, always being alone and isolated, I wanted to fit in, and the only way I could was to be helpful to others. That was a blessing for me,” he recalls. This early experience planted the seeds of what would later become Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy.
Despite his academic achievements, including a B Bus Sci in Quantitative Finance (Hons) from the University of Cape Town, Tshediso faced constant questions about why he chose teaching over more lucrative career paths. “People often ask me why teaching, why can’t I use my brain and the degree to make money elsewhere, but they do not understand the one I am following and who is leading me.”
Resilience Born from Adversity
Tshediso’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply influenced by his personal experiences. Growing up without the traditional family structure and enduring periods of isolation taught him resilience and perseverance. “I had to look outside the family for some love and appreciation to get that sense of belonging,” he shares.
This resilience was crucial in shaping his business approach. “The power of being by yourself sometimes—it can be a dark place, but I get to connect with myself and come up with ideas and plans for the business better when I spend time alone,” he says, highlighting the importance of introspection in his entrepreneurial journey.
Business Overview
Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy: Redefining Education
Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy is more than just a tutoring service. It is an educational management company with a mission to tutor learners from Grade 4 to 12 and undergraduate students pursuing Business degrees. “Our primary goal is to teach, but our secondary mission is to build a community of future leaders,” explains Tshediso. This mission is realized through a mentorship program where learners from Grade 10 are paired with mentors to help them navigate the later years of high school and transition into university.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tshediso leveraged his experience in banking, where he built behavioral models for card clients, to develop a unique educational model. This model has proven highly effective, with students’ Mathematics grades improving from 40% to 95%. “We also offer analytical support to schools on how to structure classrooms and help learners change their behaviors,” he adds.
Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy’s services include monthly tutoring sessions, mentorship programs, and seasonal schools. The academy also offers comprehensive packages that include assignments, homework, tests, exams, and analytical reports. “Our upcoming summer school will start at the end of November, and we will be preparing learners for the next academic year,” Tshediso shares.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Building the Right Team
One of the biggest challenges Tshediso faced was finding the right team members who shared his vision. “Choosing the right team members to help run the company with me was the biggest challenge,” he admits. Initially, he struggled with involving friends who didn’t fully grasp the vision. However, he soon realized the importance of seeking out professionals with a genuine passion for education.
Another critical lesson was learning to surrender the business to a higher power. “The business isn’t mine, but it is God’s. I got to understand how all the decisions I make should start from Him,” Tshediso reflects. This faith-based approach has been foundational to the stability and success of Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy.
Never Giving Up
Despite the challenges, Tshediso never considered giving up. “No, not even once,” he says firmly. He acknowledges the periods when he had to step back from the business, but quitting was never an option. “The fear of letting people know how lonely I can be when I am not working kept me pushing forward,” he reveals. Today, with his faith and a clear sense of purpose, Tshediso is more determined than ever to continue growing his business.
Business Strategy
Self-Funding and Strategic Partnerships
Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy started with minimal funding requirements. “My business did not really need funding; it was easier to teach after school because everyone was at school and they would pay me R2 per learner,” Tshediso explains. As the business grew, his background in finance enabled him to make sound financial decisions, allowing the company to be self-funded.
However, as the academy expanded, Tshediso recognized the need for a more structured marketing approach and strategic partnerships. “I started a partnerships division where we now partner with companies, bursary schemes, and schools,” he says. These partnerships have been instrumental in scaling the business and reaching more learners across the country.
Learning and Growth
Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Throughout his journey, Tshediso has learned invaluable lessons that have shaped his business practices. “Respect and honor—always respect someone with results and honor them. That alone opens up doors that intelligence alone cannot,” he advises. Another critical lesson is the importance of service over profit. “I had to serve. The more I wanted to make money, the less people were interested in what I was doing,” he reflects.
He also emphasizes the need for patience and focus, particularly in the face of distractions. “I could have long given up if I didn’t understand these. Especially distraction from everyone who has an opinion,” he notes.
Balancing Life and Work
Like many entrepreneurs, Tshediso struggles with work-life balance. “Balance, balance, balance—I struggle with this myself,” he admits with a laugh. His solution has been to organize his life into different calendars, each dedicated to various aspects of his life, including work, personal time, and family. “I am very deliberate in things I do. I am never where I am not invited nor scheduled to be,” he adds.
Advice and Vision
Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Tshediso’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Never compromise your personal story; it will be the reason that sustains you.” He also emphasizes the importance of having a small, close-knit circle of genuine friends. “This thing of having 100 friends doesn’t work. Let the circle be small but its value big enough that you never go to bed hungry for the rest of your life should your business fail,” he advises.
Looking ahead, Tshediso envisions building a school brand that will be recognized nationally and, eventually, across Africa. His long-term goal is to empower learners from marginalized communities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their more privileged counterparts.
Reflection and Impact
Proudest Achievements and Legacy
One of Tshediso’s proudest achievements is the success of his educational model, which has consistently produced top-performing students. “In 2022, we produced a 90%+ Maths average, and this was the biggest achievement we ever had,” he proudly shares.
Tshediso hopes to leave a lasting impact on the community by providing marginalized learners with the tools they need to succeed. “I want all learners from marginalized communities in Africa to know that they are more than capable,” he says. His vision is to create a fairer education system where every learner, regardless of their background, has a shot at success.
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Connect with Tshediso Kgosi Mahange and Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy:
Personal Social Media
- Facebook: Tshediso Ntate TS
- LinkedIn: Tshediso Mahange
- Instagram: IAmKgosi_M
Business Social Media:
- Facebook: Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy
- LinkedIn: Ulwazi Olubanzi Academy
- Instagram: ulwazi.academics_rsa
- Email: kgosi.m@uoacademy.org.za OR info@uoacademy.org.za
- WhatsApp: +27 67 111 3432
