In a remarkable testament to South Africa’s growing influence in global markets, Nichola Brilliance Mafumo from Giyani, Limpopo, has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for local youth through his participation in the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA)’s Cross-Border E-Commerce programme in China. This initiative, coupled with the province’s burgeoning export sector, underscores Limpopo’s potential as a hub for international trade and innovation.
A New Face in Global E-Commerce
Mafumo, a participant in the W&RSETA’s year-long programme, recently shared his transformative experience in a video released by Vuk’uzenzele, the government’s publication.
The programme, held in China, exposed him to the intricacies of cross-border e-commerce, a sector projected to grow by 10% annually and valued at $2.1 trillion in 2023, according to Statista. “The W&RSETA changed my life by helping me identify a potential I didn’t know existed,” Mafumo said.
He highlighted his shift from traditional business mindsets to embracing digital marketplaces like Alibaba, which processed 1.2 billion transactions in 2024, as per the EU SME Centre.Mafumo’s journey is particularly significant given the 2022 World Bank report, which noted that 55% of South African youth lack adequate job skills. Supported by the W&RSETA, established under the Skills Development Act of 1998, his success offers a blueprint for tackling the province’s 34.6% youth unemployment rate, as reported by Stats SA in 2024.
His story, part of the #YouthMonth2025 celebrations, is inspiring a new generation to explore global trade opportunities.
Limpopo’s Export Triumphs: Beyond E-Commerce
Limpopo’s success in China extends beyond e-commerce, with local entrepreneurs and industries making significant inroads into the Asian market.
George Magwabeni, a hospitality and retail magnate with a R1.4 billion empire, has capitalized on China’s growing tourism sector. His hotels in Polokwane cater to an influx of Chinese tourists, drawn by South Africa’s cultural heritage and natural wonders, contributing to a 15% increase in Chinese visitor numbers in 2024, according to South African Tourism.
The province’s agricultural sector is also making waves. Limpopo’s citrus industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, exported 120,000 tons of oranges to China in 2024, a 20% rise from the previous year, driven by demand for high-quality produce, as noted by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa. Additionally, the region’s marula fruit, processed into the globally recognized Amarula liqueur, saw exports to China double to 50,000 liters in 2024, reflecting a growing appetite for South African artisanal products.A Model for Economic Growth
These achievements align with broader government efforts, as outlined in the recent Budget Vote debates (July 2025), to enhance accountability and fund initiatives that boost export-led growth. The W&RSETA programme and local export successes are part of a strategic push to diversify revenue streams, a tactic echoed by Entrepreneur Hub SA’s analysis of Limpopo’s wealthiest individuals, who attribute their success to adaptability and market leverage.
China’s business culture, as Mafumo observed, emphasizes potential over personal background, fostering an open system where “anyone can be a seller or distributor.” This philosophy is resonating with Limpopo’s entrepreneurs, who are leveraging partnerships and digital platforms to compete globally.
Looking Ahead
As Mandela Month 2025 unfolds under the theme “Let’s Get Involved,” Mafumo and other Limpopo exporters embody the spirit of service and innovation championed by Nelson Mandela. With ongoing support from government bodies like W&RSETA and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Limpopo is poised to become a key player in South Africa’s export economy, potentially creating thousands of jobs and inspiring youth to think beyond borders.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mafumo’s advice is clear: “Open your mind to new ways of doing business. The potential is there—you just need to seize it.” As Limpopo’s exports to China continue to grow, this northern province is proving that global success begins at home.