A Social Entrepreneur’s Journey in Digital Transformation

A Long-Standing Vision for Business

I have always had a vision for business, constantly thinking of ways to solve problems and create opportunities. Even before attending university, I was full of ideas, exploring different ways to create something meaningful. After completing matric, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at Rhodes University.

Among the courses I took in my first year, Computer Science 112 (CS112) stood out as it introduced me to HTML and CSS for the first time. It was my first exposure to computers, programming, and digital tools. The experience was completely new, and I struggled with the course, eventually repeating it. Little did I know that this failure would lead me to a future in digital entrepreneurship.

As I continued through university, I became increasingly proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, two tools I had never encountered before. Today, I assist individuals and businesses with Word and Excel-related tasks, demonstrating how something unfamiliar can evolve into a valuable skill. Despite struggling with HTML and CSS, I found myself fascinated by the structure and logic behind web development. I passed Computer Science 112 after repeating it but with a mark of less than 60 percent. Even though I did not excel in the subject, my curiosity about HTML, CSS, and Excel formulas remained strong.

After completing the course, I continued experimenting with HTML and CSS, building static offline pages for fun. Initially, I did not recognize the potential of what I was doing, but as I researched further, I discovered that these were the foundational building blocks of website development. My interest grew, and I began dedicating more time to understanding web development. I became so immersed in learning that I started neglecting my actual studies, leading to significant academic challenges. I later changed my specialization from BCom Accounting to Economics and Accounting in my third year.

Overcoming Academic Struggles and Building Resilience

My academic struggles caught up with me when I received a G7 warning due to poor performance in June 2016. In December of the same year, I failed Accounting 3 and Money & Banking. I was placed on academic probation and given an ultimatum to complete my degree in 2017 or face exclusion. The severity of these warnings was not clear to me at the time. It was only when I tried to add more subjects that I was informed I could not do so because of my academic status. That was my wake-up call, and I realized that if I wanted to graduate, I needed to take my studies seriously.

Determined to turn things around, I completed my degree in 2017 while on probation. I pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in 2018 and an Honours degree in Economics in 2019. Today, I hold a Master’s in Economics with a specialization in Financial Markets. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance, qualities that later shaped my approach to business.

The First Entrepreneurial Venture: Lessons from Drivary

In 2020, I launched my first business, Drivary, a food delivery platform designed to connect customers with local restaurants and independent delivery drivers. The goal was to offer a convenient, affordable, and technology-driven alternative to traditional food delivery services. The business primarily served students and small businesses that lacked the financial resources to list their services on major platforms.

Over two years, I worked on improving Drivary, refining its user experience and operations. However, when I officially introduced it to the market in 2022, the business faced challenges that led to its failure. I did not have my own delivery vehicle and relied on outsourced drivers, which resulted in unreliable service. My lack of marketing expertise made it difficult to promote the platform and attract customers.

Realizing that my biggest weakness was marketing, I enrolled in a digital marketing course to improve my skills. One of the final projects in the course required me to build a completely new website from scratch. The instructor made a statement that changed my perspective:

“If you know how to create websites, you can use the skills from this course to offer digital services to businesses.”

That moment inspired me to turn the project into a real business, and Digital Optad was born.

The Birth & Growth of Digital Optad

Digital Optad officially launched in 2022, initially offering only website design and social media marketing. As I continued to learn and engage with other entrepreneurs, I expanded the company’s services to include:

✔ AI-Powered Apps – Automating business processes with chatbots, WhatsApp automation, and predictive analytics.
✔ Google Business Profile Registration – Helping businesses increase visibility and credibility online.
✔ Flyer & Post Designer – Assisting businesses with visual branding and social media content creation.
✔ Consultation Services – Providing expert guidance for startups, student entrepreneurs, and SMEs looking to optimize their digital strategies.

The evolution of Digital Optad was driven by my passion for problem-solving and my desire to provide businesses with the digital tools they need to grow.

A Lifelong Commitment to Learning & Impact

My journey in entrepreneurship, financial management, digital marketing, and mentorship has been driven by a deep passion for continuous learning and meaningful contribution. For me, learning is not about recognition, it is about the impact and value I bring to businesses, communities, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship & Business Development
Through various entrepreneurship programs, I have gained practical insights into building sustainable business models, financial literacy, and strategic planning. These programs have not only shaped my own ventures but have also allowed me to help other businesses optimize their growth and scalability.

Digital Marketing & AI Integration
Understanding the role of digital transformation, I have completed specialized programs in digital marketing, automation, and AI-powered business solutions. This knowledge enables me to provide businesses with data-driven strategies that improve customer engagement, increase efficiency, and enhance digital presence.

Mentorship & Coaching
Beyond personal development, I am committed to empowering others through mentorship and coaching. By participating in mentorship and leadership programs, I have been able to support aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and small business owners in achieving their goals through strategic guidance and leadership development.

Recognitions & Awards as a Reflection of Impact
While I have received various awards and certificates, they are not about personal recognition but about the impact made through the work I do. Some of these include:

Why This Matters?
My commitment to learning is not just for personal achievement, it is the driving force behind Digital Optad and my ability to offer informed, strategic, and innovative solutions to businesses.

Leadership and Community Engagement

I have always been passionate about leadership and community development. In 2020, I ran for SRC Treasurer, and my vision was to leverage student entrepreneurship initiatives to generate funds for the university. Although I was outperformed and did not get elected, this experience strengthened my strategic thinking, leadership, and financial planning skills, which I later applied in my entrepreneurial journey.

My leadership extends beyond business, as I have been actively involved in university leadership and mentorship. As the Chairperson of the Rhodes University First Aid Club in 2021, I designed the club’s first-ever official logo and increased enrollment in first aid courses. I co-founded the 3-Minute Thesis Competition in 2020, providing postgraduate students with a platform to present their research effectively. I have served as a sub-warden and senior student leader, mentoring first-year students and co-authoring “The Winch Ranger Survival Kit” to help new students adjust to university life. As a peer educator and wellness leader from 2017 to 2021, I worked to promote student well-being and health awareness on campus.

🛠️ Ethical Leadership & Social Impact

Servant Leadership Approach

I believe that leadership is about impact, not recognition. My leadership journey is rooted in:

✔ Empathy & Compassion – Helping entrepreneurs with limited financial resources access professional digital services.
✔ Integrity & Transparency – Implementing clear pricing structures and customer-focused solutions.
✔ Resilience & Adaptability – Learning from past failures (e.g., Drivary, my first startup that struggled with logistics and marketing).

My Achievements & Awards

🏆 The Prestigious Rhodes University & Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics Top 120 Student Entrepreneurship Award in 2024 – Recognized for outstanding innovation and contributions to student entrepreneurship.
🏆 Investec Rhodes Top 100 Student Leadership Award in 2019 – Acknowledged for academic excellence and impactful student leadership.
🏆 Outstanding Community Service Recognition – Honored for contributions to student mentorship, health awareness, and academic development programs.
🏆 Founder of Xposure Digital Campus – A training platform helping entrepreneurs learn digital skills and automation tools.

Why You Should Trust Digital Optad Through the Leadership of Vusimani Kubhayi

A Social Entrepreneur & Leader in Digital Transformation

✔ Empowering SMEs & Entrepreneurs – Breaking financial barriers with affordable, scalable digital solutions.
✔ A Strong Ethical Leader – Focused on transparency, empathy, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
✔ Resilient & Adaptive – Overcame business failures and learned from setbacks to build a sustainable company.

My journey from a university student struggling with HTML to a social entrepreneur leading digital transformation has been one of learning, resilience, and innovation. Through Digital Optad, I continue to unlock access to digital tools, democratizing technology for businesses with limited resources.

Let’s build and grow together!