Johannesburg, South Africa – July 15, 2025
The vibrant backdrop of the Maldives served as the perfect setting for the 25th annual Global Business Week (GBW), where the outstanding team from MiniBoss Business School made South Africa proud. Taking place from 7th to 15th July 2025, this prestigious event gathered leading entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from over 35 countries, further enhancing its reputation as one of the world’s largest business and networking platforms.
This year’s GBW was a hub of dynamic forums, networking opportunities, and discussions centred on the future of business, innovation, and sustainable economic development. MiniBoss Business School not only represented South Africa but also did so with remarkable success, securing multiple accolades that reflect their hard work and innovative spirit.
A highlight of the week was the recognition of teams from the MiniBoss Business School, with Team Danger Escape, Team Luxury Experience, and Team Aura Media Group and Collective all winning United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Awards. These triumphs epitomise the commitment of these young entrepreneurs to addressing global challenges through innovative business solutions. To cap things off, MiniBoss SA TeamBeWise also received a certificate as part of its participation.
In addition to the team victories, individual accolades shone a spotlight on the exceptional talent nurtured at the school. Wendy Silinyana was awarded the coveted Director of the Year Award, a recognition of her leadership and vision. Mamela Luthuli triumphed with the Boss Global Award of the Year, reflecting her outstanding entrepreneurial achievements. Meanwhile, Naomi Bonteke was celebrated as Mother of the Year, highlighting the personal dedication she brings to her role alongside her professional pursuits. Moreover, Toni Gumede was appointed as part of the Global Jury Members, standing alongside Wendy and Naomi to judge the impact of fellow competitors from around the world. Hendrina Khanyile also graced the event as a designated speaker at the Global Boss Forum, sharing her insights with a diverse global audience.
Team MiniBoss Business School’s great performance comes after a team of six ambitious young entrepreneurs from MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg, based in Sandton, took part in the prestigious Startup World Cup Championship (SWCC).
The South African contingent comprised two student teams from MiniBoss Johannesburg, who were joined by two additional teams from the soon-to-be-launched BigBoss Business School, targeting young adult entrepreneurs, and competed in various categories, including:
● Best Commercial Startup – SIFE Award
● Best Social Startup – SAGE Award
● Green Planet for Startups Award – recognising environmentally focused and alternative energy ventures.
These rising stars hail from the MiniBoss Junior League (ages 6–18) and the BigBoss Senior League (18+), reflecting a multi-generational approach to entrepreneurship education.
“We are proud and excited to see our students showcase their innovative solutions on the global stage,” said Ms. Wendy Silinyana, Director and Franchisee of MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg. “We’re proud of our team for representing South Africa well in Mthe aldives. Ahead of our trip, we were very confident that they’ll rise to the challenge and make South Africa proud, and this is exactly what the team has done.”
A Global Platform for Future Entrepreneurs
The Startup World Cup Championship is a prestigious international competition that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across all age groups. Participants engage in regional qualifying rounds before advancing to the Grand Finale, where the world’s top young business minds present their startups to global investors, mentors, and policymakers.
This year’s championship is particularly special as MiniBoss Business School International celebrates its 25th anniversary. With 74 branches worldwide, the institution continues its mission to empower youth through cutting-edge entrepreneurship education. The Maldives will also host the annual Global Business Week, bringing together delegates, inventors, and educators for a week of inspiration and networking.
About the MiniBoss Programme
MiniBoss Business School offers a comprehensive 8-level entrepreneurship education, designed to develop 12 intelligences in young learners through both theory and practice. The curriculum includes:
● Business Fundamentals (Economics, Business ABCs, Project Management)
● Talent and Leadership Development (Psychology, Team Building, Brainstorming)
● Family Business Training
● Idea Generation and Creative Thinking
● Marketing & Market Research
● Intellectual Property & Branding
● Taxation & Legal Aspects
● Divergent Thinking and CQ Games
Students are nurtured over a period of eight years, culminating in an internationally recognised UK diploma from the International Business Academy (IBA MBBS UK).
“We’re cultivating a new generation of leaders who understand how to build, scale, and sustain a legacy. In a time when many families in the black community are seeking ways to transfer wealth and business acumen across generations, MiniBoss is stepping in to provide the tools and mindset to make that possible,” adds Ms. Silinyana.
About MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg
Launched in 2023, the Johannesburg branch is the first South African campus of MiniBoss Business School International. Based in Sandton, it serves as an institution for world-class entrepreneurship training for children and teens aged 6 to 18. With a bold vision encapsulated in the slogan, “Unleash Your Full Potential,” the school is dedicated to creating the next generation of business leaders who are capable of laying the foundation of GDP growth and the welfare of nations.