The roots of Digital Optad trace back to 2014, when founder Vusimani Kubhayi was first introduced to computers in Computer Science 112 (CS112) at Rhodes University. Experimenting with HTML and CSS sparked a curiosity that led to years of practice, simulations, and intentional learning.

Even before university, the drive to start a business was already there, though the exact path was unclear. By 2019, through continuous practice, that vision began to take shape. With no external investment, the journey was funded by six years of internship stipends. In that period, the founder made extraordinary sacrifices — choosing not to buy clothes, living in isolation, and dedicating up to 20-hour workdays to practice and self-learning.

The first entrepreneurial step came with Drivary in 2020, a food delivery platform for students and local restaurants. Though it failed due to logistics and lack of marketing, it was the turning point. Enrolling in a digital marketing course revealed the power of combining web development with marketing, creating the foundation for a new kind of business.

In 2022, Digital Optad began by offering just two services — website development and digital marketing. But with time, skills, and growing demand, the company quickly evolved. By the time of its official registration in 2023, Digital Optad had transformed into a full digital hub, offering:
-Website Development & Branding
-AI-Powered Apps & Automation
-Client Portals with CRM
-E-commerce Solutions (online stores, marketplaces, booking systems)
-Digital Strategy & Communication Tools

Today, Digital Optad operates as a private company with social and sustainable values, dedicated to democratizing digital access for startups, SMEs, and disadvantaged businesses. From its humble beginnings to its current scope, the company’s growth reflects both sacrifice and vision: from offering two services to becoming a comprehensive digital hub.