Luvuyo Rani, the founder and MD of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, has been nominated for The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) programme.
The programme serves to formally recognise young people who excel in their chosen fields and demonstrate the best attributes of the world’s young people.
Rani started his company from the boot of is car in 2004 when he quit his job as a teacher in one of Khayelitsha high schools. When he opened an Internet café in Khayelitsha many people told him he was mad; but Rani had seen an opportunity for growth.
“There was such a high demand for the services we offer; Internet café, computer training and IT support. There was a real need to expand this business further and that was my vision,” says Rani.
Little did he know that 10 years down the line his efforts will be recognised internationally. Rani is the only South African nominated for TOYP for 2014.
An inspiration to the community, Rani is the ultimate rags-to-riches entrepreneurial tale and his business has improved the lives of many people in Khayelitsha who – without him – would be left to watch the digital age pass them by.
“By exposing communities to the world of computers and the Internet we are offering people the power of education and information, which is priceless,” says Rani, who believes that the social element of his business is just as important as his own entrepreneurial success.
Silulo Ulutho Technologies boasts 32 Internet shops and academy centres; and 132 employees in both the Western Cape and in the Eastern Cape.
Rani has been nominated in the business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment category. The programme is sponsored by Junior Chamber International (JCI). JCI is an international community of citizens between the ages of 18 to 40 with the aim and purpose of creating positive change in the world. The organisation believes that these changes must result from one taking “collective action to improve themselves and the world around them.”
Since 1983, JCI has honoured nearly 300 individuals from 57 nations. Past recipients of awards include such well-known personalities as John F Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Elvis Presley, Jackie Chan, Wayne Gretzky and many more.
Honourees selected in past years have represented the heights of progress in numerous human endeavours. Many have gone on to even greater achievements. All have continued to serve humanity in a great variety of ways.