Startup Story
Every country knows that the education of young people is key to the alleviation of poverty and the economic growth of communities as a whole. In South Africa, Zanele Hobongwana, founder of Swazi Tutor Academy, is playing her role in tackling education in maths and science at a community level. Her work is helping to change young people’s lives as they open their minds and develop the key learning skills they need to become active contributing members of society.
LoA learned more about Zanele’s passion for tutoring and the upliftment of young people which drives her business and her mission in life.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Zanele Hobongwana and I am the director and founder of Swazi Tutor Academy which focuses on tutoring Mathematics and Sciences from learners from grade 7-12. I am a Science Graduate with Honours in Geology, and have 9 years experience in tutoring which I began in university. I am passionate about uplifting young people, so in addition to running my Academy, I also run a non-registered NGO called Winnie Was A Girl which supports young disadvantaged girls in my community in academics. I see myself as a role model in business and as a woman in Science for these girls.
“Solving the problem in illiteracy will decrease poverty and erase some of the socio-economic challenges our youth is facing.”
“We assist our learners in solving any problem they come across, not just the ones they have in question.”
What does your company do?
At Swazi Tutor Academy, we offer tutoring services in Mathematics and Science.
What inspired you to start your company?
I am passionate about learning and teaching, and am driven by community development. Solving the problem in illiteracy will decrease poverty and erase some of the socio-economic challenges our youth is facing.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We focus on the needs of our customers and our services are personalized. We assist our learners in solving any problem they come across, not just the ones they have in question. We encourage the use of digital tools and technology for the benefit of learning, not for personal pleasure only.
Tell us a little about your team
We are very dedicated and experienced in our work. Most importantly we value education as the key to success. Our tutors are also Graduates in Science fields, which makes us provide quality education to our learners with passion and with a human touch in everything that we do.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
“We encourage the use of digital tools and technology for the benefit of learning, not for personal pleasure only.”
“Our tutors are also Graduates in Science fields, which makes us provide quality education to our learners with passion and with a human touch in everything that we do.”
I was not exposed to entrepreneurship until I identified a problem in my society which drove me to learn in ways that will benefit both me and the people of the community. I started taking some courses on management and entrepreneurship. I enrolled in an NVC program where I was developed to be a dynamic woman who is willing to take risks.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
In a few years I want my company to be the first central academy in my community that caters for all economic classes. I want to expand and form partnerships with visionary stakeholders that hold the same vision of creating young dynamic engineers and scientists from the Eastern Cape Region.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Solving existing problems that we are facing gives me the most joy.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Never be afraid to put your ideas into action. Be brave and Roar like a lioness to get what is yours.
Contact or follow Swazi Tutor Academy
FACEBOOK | EMAIL hobongwanazanele@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Creating access to education and learning in important disciplines such as Mathematics and Science is so key to the development of strong economies and communities. In South Africa, there is a real need to see more young people equipped not just with learning for life, but also with the knowledge and skills in these important subject areas to help find solutions to facing the country. What Zanele and her team are doing at Swazi Tutor Academy is helping to uplift young people with the essential learning skills and knowledge to fulfill their potential and be part of the solutions that are needed. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa