SABC1 TO SPOTLIGHT YOUNG INNOVATORS IN NEW DOCU-REALITY SERIES 'IT STARTED WITH A THOUGHT'
What if the next big solution to a community challenge is already sitting in someone’s mind, waiting to be acted on? This is the question at the heart of ‘It Started With A Thought’, a brand-new docu-reality series premiering on SABC1 on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:00.
The 26-part series shines a spotlight on young South Africans who dared to believe in their ideas and turned them into businesses, innovations, and solutions that are making a real difference in people’s lives. Every successful business starts somewhere. Sometimes with a problem that needs solving, sometimes with a personal experience, and sometimes with a single thought.
Through intimate storytelling and first-hand accounts, viewers will journey alongside innovators as they unpack where their ideas came from, the challenges they faced, and what it took to bring their visions to life. From creating sanitary pads from pineapple leaves to transforming used cooking oil into household detergents, and developing haircare products inspired by frustrating salon experiences, the series celebrates the power of creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
At a time when many young people are searching for opportunities and inspiration, It Started With A Thought offers something equally valuable: proof that innovation can come from anywhere, and that ordinary people can create extraordinary impact.
Series Producer Selvan Munsamy says the title reflects the very essence of the show.
“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,” shares Selvan Munsamy.
Beyond entrepreneurship, the series is a celebration of African ingenuity, determination, and the power of believing in one’s own potential. It reminds viewers that even the simplest idea can spark meaningful change, transform communities, and inspire others to think differently about what is possible.
As each episode unfolds, audiences will meet innovators who are not only building businesses but also creating opportunities, solving everyday challenges, and redefining what it means to dream big in South Africa.
Some of the inspiring stories viewers can look forward to include:
Episode 1 – 25 June 2026
(Native Child)
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 – 2 July 2026
(Gcwalisa)
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 – 9 July 2026
(Ting Tang Tea)
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 – 16 July 2026
(The Mighty House Soap)
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 – 23 July 2026
(Leafline)
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 – 30 July 2026
(Nene)
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 – 6 August 2026
(Ceramist)
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.
It Started With A Thought premieres on SABC1 on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:00.
_ In The Room
Published by Neontle Mogomotsi
