This Entrepreneur is Redefining South African Business and Empowering Future Leaders! An Exclusive With Banele Rewo

In the ever-evolving world of business, few figures stand out as profoundly as Banele Rewo. A true testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and social impact, Rewo’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. With over two decades of experience, he has not only established a wide array of businesses but has also set new benchmarks in the world of sustainable enterprise and community development.

Banele Rewo is a dynamic South African entrepreneur, brand strategist, published author, and social impact innovator. He is the founder of Z2B Stokvel, Z2B Aquaponics Farm, and Z2B Eyethu Meat Wholesalers & Processing, and has become a well-respected name in both the entrepreneurial and social impact sectors. What truly sets Rewo apart is his pioneering of the "build in public" movement, where he transparently documents the process of building businesses from scratch in real time alongside his online community. This unique approach has resonated with many aspiring entrepreneurs, inspiring them to take the plunge into business with the knowledge that success is built step by step.

Rewo's work intricately blends sustainability, community development, and enterprise, all grounded in the core principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). His innovative approach has seen him empower not only his own ventures but also a wide network of young entrepreneurs who look to him as a source of guidance and mentorship.

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From Corporate to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Necessity

For Rewo, entrepreneurship was never just a dream. It was a necessity. "Even while I was still in corporate, I knew I needed to prepare for a future where I owned the outcomes of my work," Rewo explains. He saw entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for freedom, legacy-building, and empowerment, and he quickly realized that solutions are best found by those closest to the problems they seek to solve.

He goes on to say, “I’ve always believed that solutions lie within the people closest to the problem, so I became a solution-maker.” His drive to create meaningful change led him to venture into various industries, always focusing on building businesses that address real challenges in the South African context.

In January 2023, Banele Rewo made a groundbreaking move into aquaponics farming, initiating a social experiment to build a business from zero to a million in 24 months, transparently documenting the entire process with his online community. What started as a personal challenge quickly transformed into a larger movement focused on sustainable food production, township farming, and economic empowerment.

His journey into aquaponics farming wasn’t just about business; it was about creating opportunities for local communities and offering sustainable solutions for food security. Through his live updates and community-driven approach, he has educated countless young entrepreneurs on how to leverage limited resources and scale businesses in a way that positively impacts both the environment and the community.

Banele’s passion for empowering young people stems from his own experiences. Having come from the same streets and struggles that many young South Africans face, he understands what it’s like to have dreams but lack the funding, networks, and exposure needed to make them a reality.

“I know what it’s like to dream with no funding, no network, and no exposure. My journey is proof that it’s possible — and I feel a deep responsibility to be the person I wish I had access to when I started,” he shares. Through initiatives such as his aquaponics venture, his community-based stokvel model, and his published book Nomayini, Rewo has provided young people with the tools they need to start small and grow strategically.

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The Z2B Stokvel: A Model of Community-Driven Growth

Out of all the ventures Banele has undertaken, his Z2B Stokvel model stands out as one of the most transformative. The stokvel model taught him invaluable lessons in the power of community funding, accountability, and shared growth. “Through it, I learned how to build trust, communicate vision, and lead with transparency — lessons that shaped every other venture I’ve pursued,” says Rewo.

By leveraging community resources, the stokvel model has empowered individuals in local communities to become investors in their own futures, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.

Like any successful entrepreneur, Rewo has faced his fair share of challenges.

Cash flow has been an ongoing struggle, particularly when scaling his businesses. However, he faced this challenge head-on by offering creative solutions such as short-term "stock loans" to clients, allowing him to maintain liquidity while building loyalty.

Another major hurdle has been skepticism. “People don’t always believe in new models,” Rewo acknowledges. But he has learned to let the results speak for themselves, showing that innovation and fresh thinking can lead to tangible, real-world success.

Plans for Growth: Scaling for Impact

Looking ahead, Banele’s plans for growth are both ambitious and achievable. He is expanding his meat processing business, targeting bulk buyers and fast food outlets, and is also scaling his aquaponics system across other townships. According to Rewo, the key to successful expansion lies in strong governance, building brand equity, and leveraging the stokvel model for capital and community support.

Rewo takes a proactive approach to setbacks. “I treat it as feedback,” he explains. "Every setback is a chance to reframe the approach, test assumptions, and grow stronger." His ability to reflect on failures and share those lessons transparently with his community has earned him immense trust and admiration.

As part of his personal self-care routine, Rewo maintains a strong spiritual foundation by working out regularly, meditating, and attending church. He believes these practices help him stay grounded and focused on his purpose.

Looking to the future, Banele Rewo’s goals remain as clear as his vision: to build a legacy of not just wealth, but lasting impact. “Personally, I want to be a builder of legacy — not just wealth, but impact,” he shares. “I want my children and community to benefit from businesses I’ve started long after I’m gone.”

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Professionally, his long-term goal is to create an ecosystem of sustainable, African-owned enterprises that solve local problems while scaling nationally and globally. From agriculture to apparel, Rewo’s ventures will always aim to make sense socially, economically, and environmentally.

As he continues to lead by example, Banele Rewo proves that with vision, dedication, and a commitment to community-driven growth, the future of African entrepreneurship is brighter than ever.