iAccelerate SA officially welcomed its second 2026 cohort during an inspiring Open Day held on Friday at Portside in Cape Town, bringing together 25 aspiring young entrepreneurs from schools across Cape Town as they embarked on the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey.
“Joining iAccelerate SA is a great opportunity for me to learn from others, develop my teamwork skills and gain knowledge that I can apply to my own jewellery business. The Open Day was honestly so much fun, and I met so many wonderful people. I can’t wait to come back next week and continue this journey,” said Gabriella Heugh, a Grade 9 learner and member of the new iAccelerate SA 2026 cohort.
The event marked a significant milestone for the programme, as it was the first time iAccelerate SA had welcomed two cohorts within a single calendar year. The expansion reflects the growing demand for entrepreneurial education among young South Africans and forms part of the organisation’s long-term vision to create opportunities for even more learners in the years ahead.
New cohort students, alumni, mentors, facilitators and parents gathered during the iAccelerate SA 2026 Open Day.
Designed for ambitious high school learners, iAccelerate SA’s flagship four-month entrepreneurship programme equips participants with the skills, mentorship and practical experience needed to transform innovative ideas into sustainable solutions for real-world challenges. Through a structured journey of ideation, innovation, business development and leadership, learners are empowered to become confident changemakers within their communities.
The new cohort represents a diverse group of learners from schools across Cape Town, including the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT), Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Brackenfell High School, Malibu High School, Harry Gwala Secondary School, Robinvale High School, Usasazo High School, Buren High School, Zola Business High School, Sans Souci Girls’ High School and Glendale Secondary School, among others.
Open Day served as an opportunity for participants and their parents to gain a deeper understanding of the programme while connecting with fellow cohort members, alumni, facilitators, mentors and the iAccelerate SA team. Throughout the evening, learners took part in interactive activities designed to encourage collaboration, while parents attended an information session outlining the programme structure, expectations and support available throughout the four-month journey.
Lead facilitator, Sibulelo Mafrika, addresses learners and parents during the programme’s 2026 Open Day.
The evening also introduced learners to this year’s facilitators, Sibulelo Mafrika and Omolola Bello, alongside mentors Jorgina Heugh, Arthur Mexico, Sizeka Dyantyi, Rayhaan Survé and Zayaan Jardien, who will guide participants as they develop entrepreneurial mindsets, strengthen their leadership skills and bring their ideas to life.
Reflecting on the evening, the iAccelerate SA team celebrated the enthusiasm, curiosity and determination displayed by the new cohort as they took their first steps into the programme.
“To the new iAccelerate SA cohort, my message is simple: believe in yourself and give yourself permission to dream bigger. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Come with an open mind, be willing to learn, ask questions and make mistakes. I’m excited to learn alongside you, challenge you and watch you grow throughout the programme. I look forward to seeing the ideas you bring to the room and the impact you’ll make,” said facilitator Sibulelo Mafrika.
As iAccelerate SA continues to grow, the organisation remains committed to unlocking opportunities for young people across South Africa by providing access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship and meaningful networks that enable them to turn ideas into lasting impact.
With another cohort now under way, the programme looks forward to supporting these 25 young entrepreneurs as they spend the coming months developing innovative solutions, building resilient businesses and shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
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