ALUMNI: Rhulani Hlungwani
& Lindiwe Nkosi (2025)
VENTURE: BoldPearl
BoldPearl
Johannesburg, South Africa
BoldPearl was established in 2013 as a furniture-hiring company. Today, it specialises in manufacturing, repairing, and furniture-hiring of carpentry and upholstery. BoldPearl operates in three locations: Midrand (specialising in hospitality and furniture hire), Centurion (focusing on manufacturing), and Giyani (focusing on manufacturing). BoldPearl has 13 employees (9 part-time) and has trained 23 protégés, who are now competitors, partners, and suppliers. BoldPearl has been recognised by companies like Bambelela Business Awards, Raizcorp, Leda, SAB Foundation, and Township Economy Awards. The goal is to supply big furniture franchises and become the most prominent furniture manufacturer in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Rhulani Hlungwani
Founder & CEO | boldpearl
Rhulani was born in a small township named Giyani, Limpopo. She holds a National Diploma in Food Service Management, a Bcom in Strategic Supply Chain Management, and an Honors Degree in Strategic Management. She worked in corporate for 12 years, where she obtained a management level in companies such as Mercedes Benz, Simba, G4S Security, Imperial, and PPC, to name a few. Growing up, Rhulani hated entrepreneurship due to a failed family business. She does not remember when the business passion ignited, but she does remember selling anything and everything while in corporate. Today, she is driven to preserve her dreams, and although Rhulani enjoys business, she loves being a mother of two boys, aged 5 and 7.
Lindiwe Nkosi
Department Manager | boldpearl
Lindiwe was born and raised in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, and moved to Johannesburg for job opportunities, where she started working at Boldpearl. Today, Lindiwe is the Department Manager at Boldpearl and has been Rhulani’s righthand “man” for the past 10 years. She loves her role at BoldPearl! She believes that the work they do, manufacturing furniture, ultimately creates memories and brings families together. Lindiwe is a single mom of 3 children, loves attending church and the outdoors.