We see big horizons.
Founded in 2015 as a NPO, Riversands I-Hub is an ecosystem of high-potential businesses and entrepreneurs. Although our home is a 40 000 square meter campus based in Johannesburg, we work with entrepreneurs and businesses from across South Africa.
Who we are
A partner for ambitious, performance-orientated businesses.
We offer an evolving range of business services, resources and programing. We
assist SMEs with:
- Professional services – Back office services such as Accounting, Legal, HR, and Marketing.
- Low cost utility spaces – Light manufacturing and office spaces geared for small businesses.
- Finance – From asset funding to purchase order financing to facilitate business growth.
- Business advisory services – Access to our growing pool of quality business advisors.
- Workshops and Masterclasses – To help businesses integrate best practices.
- Online Modules – Stimulating content curated with entrepreneurs and their team in mind.
- Service Consultants – To build value-adding relationships with our entrepreneur ecosystem.
- Growth Programing – Industry, subject or location specific entrepreneur programs.
- Community – A physical and virtual community of like-minded performance entrepreneurs.
Our Vision
To build a growing community of performance-orientated businesses and entrepreneurs.
A community that catalyses change and a thriving future.
Our Mission
To create a growing and powerfully enabling ecosystem of services, resources and learning experiences.
To promote high growth entrepreneurs and businesses with the intention to attract investors and customers.
To collaborate with local and international business and academia.
The Team
A focus on leadership
Riversands I-Hub is led by a team of dynamic, committed professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience.
Meet Tafadzwa Madavo
Chief Executive Officer
As Riversands I-Hub’s CEO since 2020, Tafadzwa is a practiced and passionate catalyst for change, growth and shared value. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Tafadzwa was the COO at Riversands I-Hub, and has experience working in the financial industry, entrepreneurial development and capacity development. Tafadzwa started his career as an entrepreneur with endeavours including business consulting and agribusinesses. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics and Community Resource Management, a Masters in Strategic Management, and a Masters of Business Administration (University of Bradford).
Meet Mzingaye Kahla
Chief Operating Officer
Mzingaye is a seasoned entrepreneurship development specialist with experience in finance, management consulting, enterprise development, industrial design and business incubation and acceleration. Mzingaye joined Riversands I-Hub in 2019 as Head of SME Development, and was promoted to COO in 2022. He is an advocate for the development of a vibrant African start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem. He holds a Business Management Degree (University of Pretoria), a postgraduate diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking (Emeritus), and is currently studying a post graduate diploma in Business Administration and Management (Stellenbosch Business School).
Meet Sibu Mbatha
Head: Shared Services
As Head of Shared Services, Sibu is responsible for Riversands-Hub’s shared resources, data management, and the processing of all Hub related administration. With an enduring spirit, she started out as Senior Administrator at the Hub in 2016, and was promoted to Administration Manager in 2018. She is experienced in customer service, people management and administration across banking and insurance sectors. She completed the ABSA Management Program (Gordon Institute of Business Science), holds a diploma in Operations Management (Damelin), and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology & Human Resources (The South African College of Applied Psychology).
Meet Juliet Mattheus
Head: Ecosystem
Juliet is a generalist professional passionate about learning, development, performance and meaningful initiatives. She joined Riversands I-Hub in 2018 as Growth & Learning Manager, and in 2021 stepped in to the newly formed role: Head of Ecosystem. She is responsible for the efficient, strategic and operational management of the elements driving the growing ecosystem. She holds a Business Management degree (Oxford Brooks University), graduate certificate in Instructional Design & Development (Oregon State University), and certifications in entrepreneurship centre management, business strategy, project management, monitoring & evaluation and human resources.
Meet Mahomed Bashir
Head: Finance & Facilities
Mahomed has been the Head of Finance & Facilities since the inception of the Riversands I-Hub in 2015. With his steadfast approach, Mahomed is responsible for the financial management of the organisation and the maintenance of the 40 000m2 campus infrastructure. He has extensive experience in finance and accounting across the banking, private healthcare, manufacturing, construction and retail industries, and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science (University of South Africa).
Meet Heather Toman
Senior Legal Advisor
Heather is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, and holds a BA Law (University of Witwatersrand), a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and a Master of Law (LLM) (University of South Africa). Heather specialises in commercial law, and has also worked extensively in the environmental legal field, which is very close to her heart. Heather has worked with the Riversands I-Hub since its inception in 2015 and is responsible for legal matters across all areas, including commercial, company, intellectual property, labour and safety, health and environmental law.