8. Thato Kgatlhanye
Vital Stats:
- Business: Rethaka
- Established: 2013
Up-and-coming fact:
A new breed of a business woman in Africa, who has been publicly earmarked by Bill Gates as one of the entrepreneurs to watch on the African continent.
From plastic pollution to issues of education and poverty, Thato Kgatlhanye’s latest solution is a combination of the main problems facing South African children today. Rethaka’s innovative backpack is crafted from recycled materials and fitted with a solar panel that charges up during the day so that it can be used as a light for studying after school. This also ensures the safety of children subject to early morning walks to school in the dark. Listed as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in 2017, Innovator of the Year by Forbes Women Africa in 2016 and a CEO Global Leader of Tomorrow honouree, Kgatlhanye aims to continue to drive social change, present sustainable solutions and inspire others.