Inspiring Mzansi’s Youth To Create It Started With A Thought New To SABC1
In business, people often hear about the characteristics, or “X Factor” traits that every entrepreneur must possess. Their ability, experience, nerve, vision and tenacity.
It Started With A Thought unpacks wonderful and untapped stories of young innovators, packaged as a 26-episode series, with each episode telling its own story, led by the innovator. The viewers will be taken on a journey of how the invention came about. The series is a celebration of ordinary people who choose to believe in their ideas, nurture them, and turn them into something meaningful that can inspire and uplift others.
The show is a celebration of African ingenuity and entrepreneurship. It is a reminder that even the simplest idea can create impact, transform communities, and inspire others to believe in the power of their own thoughts.
Series Producer Selvan Munsamy, says:
“It Started With a Thought is more than just a title — it is the essence of the series itself. Every journey, every innovation, and every dream begins with a single thought. Too often, life presents us with ideas and moments of inspiration that simply pass us by. This series shines a light on the remarkable individuals who chose to hold onto those thoughts and transform them into thriving businesses and meaningful solutions. Through this series, we explore the journeys of entrepreneurs whose ideas were born from everyday experiences and challenges — from turning pineapple leaves into sanitary pads to converting used cooking oil into household detergents to creating successful haircare ranges inspired by uncomfortable salon experiences. These stories reflect the power of creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven innovation.”
Some of the episodes that viewers can look forward to are:
Episode 1: Native Child – 25 June 2026
This inspiring documentary follows the entrepreneurial journey of Sonto Pooe, founder of Native Child, a proudly South African natural hair and skincare brand that has grown into a respected name within the beauty industry. The episode explores how Sonto transformed a community need into a thriving business, while overcoming emotional, financial, and personal challenges along the way. Through her story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination, the documentary positions Native Child as more than a brand but a symbol of identity, empowerment, and self-belief.
Episode 2: Gcwalisa – 2 July 2026
Gcwalisa, founded by Miles Kubheka, uses an innovative weigh-and-pay system to give township families affordable access to food, helping them avoid bulk buying and hidden costs.
Episode 3: Ting Tang Tea – 9 July 2026
Ting Tang Tea is a proudly South African, 100% Black woman-owned wellness brand founded by mother-and-daughter duo Sibongile Isaacs and Zanda Isaacs, blending three generations of indigenous knowledge with a modern approach to wellness. Born of a desire to transform traditional remedies into teas that are both effective and enjoyable, the company has grown from a family kitchen into a nationally stocked herbal tea range that offers loose-leaf teas, teabags, lattes, and tonics.
Episode 4: The Mighty House Soap – 16 July 2026
Through his innovative company Mighty House of Soap, Thuso has transformed used cooking oil into high-quality cold and hot-process soap, turning waste into opportunity through a circular economy model. By collecting discarded oil from local eateries, the business not only solves a major disposal challenge for small food businesses but also reduces pressure on municipal waste and drainage systems.
Episode 5: Leafline – 23 July 2026
This episode follows Candy Androliakos, founder of Leafline, a groundbreaking social enterprise that produces washable, reusable sanitary products made with innovative inner linings extracted from pineapple leaf fibres. What began as a compassionate response to the struggles of elderly residents facing the high cost of disposable nappies evolved into a world-first South African innovation tackling period poverty, adult incontinence, and environmental waste simultaneously, while creating employment opportunities for women living with disabilities.
Episode 6: Nene – 30 July 2026
This episode follows the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Anje Nene, whose hustle began as a cash-strapped university student selling second-hand textbooks and screen protectors before building Nene’s into a growing food brand. From exhausting early mornings frying amagwinya to surviving financial hardship, public setbacks, and the devastating impact of COVID-19, Anje’s story is one of relentless resilience and determination.
Episode 7: Ceramist – 6 August 2026
From Hammanskraal, a South African ceramic manufacturer has risen with a bold ambition to turn grit into large-scale industrial growth. Operating a 14,000 square-metre factory with more than 55 employees, the company produces thousands of ceramic pieces daily for both local and international markets.
SABC1 inspires Youth with the Courage to create.
The docu-reality series It Started With A Thought, premieres on SABC1 from 25 June 2026 airing every Thursday at 18:00. Also available on SABC Plus.
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