From Trauma to Triumph: Thulile Mthethwa's Journey to Found Memeza
After experiencing the trauma of her sister's brutal attack in Tembisa, Thulile Mthethwa transformed her pain into a positive force by founding Memeza in 2012.
Empowering Vulnerable Communities
Memeza helps vulnerable communities in South Africa by utilizing concrete security technologies directly linked to community police forums, neighbors, family, friends, and the South African police. The startup has developed and manufactured the country's first public alarm system, approved by the government and connected to community response networks. This technology enables communities to self-monitor and improve police response times to crimes.
A Shared Vision
In 2015, Mthethwa was joined by Elmarie Pereira, now the CEO, who had also lost her sister to gender-based violence. Together, they use their technology to tackle critical issues in one of the world's most dangerous countries, where gender-based violence and violent crime remain at alarming levels.
Addressing Marginalized Communities
Memeza assists marginalized communities that are underserved and considered too risky for private security services. To address this, the startup has developed a solution based on both processes and technologies, aiming to reduce gender-based violence and crime in these communities.
Collaborating for Change
Memeza collaborates with the private security industry, partnering with organizations such as Business Against Crime, Eyes and Ears Project, AURA, SAFERCITY, and BLUE HAWK to reinforce its efforts in combating crime.
Achievements and Impact
Memeza has established partnerships with over 240 police stations nationwide, improving the South African police's response times to crime by 89%. The startup has reached 243 communities, created over 3,000 jobs, and deployed more than 5,000 community police alarms. Additionally, it has distributed over one million personal alarms to vulnerable individuals in nine provinces.
Dual Revenue Model
Memeza operates on a dual revenue model, selling products directly to communities that can afford them, while relying on government and corporate sponsorships for those that cannot. This approach enables the company to offer security solutions at various income levels.
Key Achievements
Memeza's key achievements include a 67% reduction in sexual offenses during a pilot project in Mashamplane, Johannesburg, and a 98% prevention rate of theft in over 180 rural and township schools without costs, where ICT labs are also protected.
Expanding Horizons
Although currently operating only in South Africa, the company plans to expand to other African countries where gender-based violence is prevalent. "In the next five years, Memeza aims to have an 80% presence in South Africa and 20% on the broader African market," said Mthethwa.
