From the mining village of Ga-Mamphahlane in Burgersfort, Limpopo, emerges a young visionary whose journey is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. Tebatso Molapo, founder of Re Basadi, started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19. Today, she is a businesswoman, curator, mother of two boys, and, perhaps most importantly, a safe space for women navigating the complexities of their multi-faceted identities.

A Dreamer With Roots in Rural South Africa

Growing up, Tebatso was both shy and competitive, a self-described ambivert who learned early that her biggest competition was with herself. She has always been a dreamer, fiercely believing in the validity of her visions and her ability to achieve them. This belief would become the foundation of her life’s work.

The Birth of Re Basadi

At its core, Re Basadi is a community built around conversation, reflection, and empowerment. It is not a business in the traditional sense of selling products but rather one that creates curated spaces for women to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

“As I have evolved in my womanhood—as a sister, a friend, and a mother—I have recognized a need for spaces where women can come as they are, find solace, and seek a sister who will listen without judgment.”

The gatherings she hosts bring together women who inspire each other to rise in their professional, creative, and entrepreneurial journeys.

Inspiration Rooted in Community

Tebatso’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked early. By 16, she was already building ideas, and at 19 she founded Re Basadi. For her, success has never been solely about financial freedom but about impact.

“As a young girl from Maandagshoek village, I aimed to inspire others by showing that if I can do it, they can too. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear young women tell me, ‘I achieved this because I saw you.’”

Challenges, Pivots, and Lessons

Building a wellness business from a mining town wasn’t easy. With no blueprint to follow, Tebatso often relied on her own resilience. At times, this meant investing personal funds to maintain the high standards she envisioned.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought one of her biggest pivots. Moving her business from the city back to her hometown forced her to reimagine everything. Instead of shutting down, she embraced slow living — giving birth to the mindful retreats and intimate gatherings she has been hosting since 2021.

“Failure isn’t a reason to give up. It’s a chance to find an alternative way to make things work.”

Staying True to Her Values

As a young Black woman entrepreneur, Tebatso has always prioritized integrity. If a project conflicts with her core values, she turns it down. She also resists the urge to simply follow trends, choosing instead to listen deeply to the women she serves.

This intuitive approach ensures Re Basadi is more than an event series — it’s a movement of authenticity, resilience, and sisterhood.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Tebatso envisions expanding Re Basadi beyond South Africa’s borders. With retreats already being planned in Botswana, she dreams of hosting in more African cities, creating safe spaces across the continent.

Her motivation comes from two places: her children, whom she wants to inspire by example, and the women whose stories remind her that no one is truly alone in their struggles.

Lessons to Share

“Start from scratch. Mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t define you — they are stepping stones on your path to success.”

She adds that not scaling too fast turned out to be one of her greatest advantages. The slow growth allowed her to build the financial, communication, and personal foundations necessary for sustainable success.

Connect With Re Basadi

• Website: www.rebasadi.co.za
• Email: hello@rebasadi.co.za
• Facebook: facebook.com/rebasadi
• Instagram: instagram.com/rebasadi

Re Basadi is proof that safe spaces, built with courage and compassion, can inspire women to rise together.