Young Entrepreneurs

Meet six men in business as they share their stories of hustle, heart and homegrown innovation.

Words by Kai Coates

Chad Brown 

Durban Solar Power and Electrical

For Chad Brown, the spark that ignited his future wasn’t just metaphorical – it was literal. A single high school lesson on how light bulbs behave in series and parallel planted the seed of fascination. “That’s where my love for electricity started,” Chad reflects.

After Grade 10, Chad made a bold move. He left traditional school and enrolled in a technical college, where he earned his matric equivalent and completed qualifications in electrical construction. “It wasn’t the conventional route,” he admits, “but it was the right one for me.” Inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and mentored by close friend Donovan Griffiths of Develop Direct, he forged his path into the electrical industry with courage, skill, and vision. Today, at age 24, he runs Durban Solar Power and Electrical, a growing company born from his original venture, Yelo Electrical.

Starting wasn’t easy. Youth can be a hurdle in an industry where trust is built over time. “Clients underestimated our skill because of my age,” he recalls. But thanks to the locals in Ballito who took a chance on him, his business began to flourish, founded on transparent pricing, neat installations, and exceptional after-sales service. Word-of-mouth quickly became their strongest marketing tool.

“Learn, adapt, and don’t be afraid of starting small.”

As the business grew, so did its capabilities. From completing shopfitting projects for major brands like Crocs, Vans, and Under Armour to tackling a complex government project across seven rural sites in KwaZulu-Natal, this entrepreneur’s story is one of perseverance and calculated risk. “It pushed us to our limits – but proved what our team could really achieve together.”

Adapting to industry trends, he became accredited in renewable energy and launched Durban Solar Power in 2022. Now merging his electrical and solar brands, he aims to expand into smart homes, security, and large-scale commercial solar solutions.

For him, success isn’t just about profits – it’s about people. “We’ve never charged for a call-out to quote. We build trust before we build anything else,” he says. His leadership focus lies in growing a balanced, purpose-driven team where each member has the chance to thrive.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Get your first client – that’s where the momentum starts. Learn, adapt, and don’t be afraid of starting small.”

www.durbansolarpower.co.za 

Ricardo & Nicolas Lognath 

Omninela Medical Founders

At just 30 years old, Durban-born entrepreneur Ricardo Lognath has already earned his place amongst Africa’s brightest, landing on Forbes Africa‘s 30 Under 30 list and winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the South African Youth Awards in 2024. With his brother, Nicolas (28), they co-founded Omninela Medical in 2017, driven by a sobering statistic: only 17% of South Africans have medical insurance. “We knew we had to be part of the solution.” With over 10,000 affordable health, beauty, and pet care products, Omninela’s e-commerce platform has become a game-changer in bridging the healthcare gap. “Sourcing effective products at reasonable prices whilst ensuring access for a wide range of income groups requires constant innovation,” says the founder.

By leveraging technology, optimising supply chains, and building strategic partnerships, Omninela maintains quality without driving up costs. This mix of compassion and innovation sets the company apart. The pandemic accelerated the global shift to digital healthcare, and Omninela was ready. Investing in AI, e-commerce, and future-focused services like virtual consultations and prescription fulfilment, they embraced a patient-centric digital model. “Post-COVID, we saw an opportunity to make healthcare safer and more convenient.”

“In a world where digital transformation is redefining industries, we’re proving that heart-led innovation can change lives.” 

From meeting increased demand to managing logistics and supplier relationships, Omninela has responded with robust automation, data analytics, and a growing team of passionate individuals. A collaborative work culture and shared ownership of the company’s mission have helped keep the team motivated and aligned. Social and environmental responsibility remains central. The company partners with local providers to improve healthcare access in marginalised communities and actively promotes awareness through education. Sustainability is another priority, with biodegradable packaging, eco-conscious suppliers, and carbon-efficient delivery practices woven into their operations.

Looking ahead, international expansion is on the cards, with interest in emerging markets where access to healthcare remains limited. For now, the focus is on strengthening their foundation in South Africa, ensuring that healthcare products remain affordable, transparent, and tailored to the needs of the local population. In a world where digital transformation is redefining industries, they’re proving that heart-led innovation can change lives – one delivery, one partnership, and one patient at a time. Omninela is not just shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa; it’s redefining how it’s accessed.

www.omninela.co.za 

Mfundo Ngidi 

Founder of MNG Design & Construction

Growing up in the Maphumulo Local Municipality, where opportunities were scarce and the future often seemed dim, Mfundo Ngidi chose a different path – one paved with purpose, passion, and possibility. Surrounded by building sites and construction activity from a young age, Mfundo’s curiosity quickly blossomed into a deep fascination with design and engineering. “Watching structures rise from the ground up sparked something in me,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just about buildings – it was about creating change.”

With a raw talent for technical drawing and a drive to uplift his community, Mfundo founded MNG Design & Construction – a company rooted in innovation and impact. Armed with digital tools like AutoCAD and 3D modelling software, Mfundo uses technology to streamline design, improve efficiency, and offer clients transparent, cost-effective solutions. “We don’t just build – we innovate. Technology allows us to visualise, adapt, and deliver better, faster.”

But Mfundo’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Starting a business in a capital-heavy industry like construction, without funding or experience, meant learning to do more with less. “We stayed lean, focused on quality, and let our work speak for itself,” he shares. A breakthrough project with a major KZN shopping mall tested his resilience, but it also solidified his place in the industry.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in the vision – and let your work do the talking.”

More than just a business, MNG is a vehicle for change. The company prioritises local hiring, upskills youth, and offers mentorship in rural communities. “I want people from places like mine to see that it’s possible. Success isn’t reserved for those in cities or with connections – it’s for those who dare to dream and work for it.”

Looking ahead, Mfundo envisions expanding into a full-scale engineering firm with a dedicated manufacturing arm to produce building materials, create jobs and reduce construction costs. “We’re not just building structures; we’re building a legacy.”

To young South Africans with big dreams and small means, Mfundo’s message is simple but powerful: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in the vision – and let your work do the talking.”

nkanyezimfundo94@gmail.com 

Reece & Trent Strydom 

New Owners of Summa Smoothies

For these brothers, the road to building Summa Smoothies was fuelled by more than just entrepreneurial ambition, it was driven by a shared passion for health, wellness, and making nutritious choices easier for everyone.

Trent, a competitive CrossFit athlete, was naturally drawn to the nutritional benefits of smoothies, while Reece, always on the go with a demanding schedule, found value in the convenience of a healthy grab-and-go option. Together, they recognised a gap in the market for smoothie solutions that catered to both active lifestyles and time-crunched consumers.

But navigating the food industry at a young age wasn’t without its learning curves. Working with fresh produce kept the duo on their toes – seasonal fruit shortages, pricing fluctuations, and supply unpredictability meant they had to quickly adapt, learn to budget smarter, and remain flexible in their production processes. “Dealing with fresh produce definitely keeps the mind sharp,” they admit, crediting this dynamic environment for sharpening their business acumen.

“Our values will always remain the same: locally sourced, health-conscious, and rooted in community.”

What truly sets Summa Smoothies apart is its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. By partnering with farmers and suppliers in the Durban area, Reece and Trent have not only supported their community but also minimised their carbon footprint. “It’s important to us that Summa Smoothies is more than just a product – it’s a brand that gives back and stands for something meaningful,” they say.

Their smoothies are more than a healthy meal replacement – they’re also a smart business solution. For restaurants, Summa Smoothies reduce labour costs, eliminates ingredient prep and waste, requires no staff training, and offers consistent results every time. “We strictly pack the recipe,” they explain, “so it’s always the same great product, every single time.”

Looking ahead, the brothers have bold ambitions. Currently operating in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, they plan to scale their brand nationally over the next five years. Yet even with expansion on the horizon, their values will remain the same: locally sourced, health-forward, and rooted in community.

With Reece and Trent at the helm, Summa Smoothies is not just blending fruit – it’s blending purpose, passion, and potential into every pack.

@summa.smoothies