TONY ELVIN ASSOCIATES (TEA)

Tony Elvin has been at the forefront of social enterprise (SE) development and innovation for 25 years. He developed his passion for SE establishing Jamie Oliver’s network of social enterprise restaurants ‘FIFTEEN’ in London, Amsterdam Melbourne and Cornwall. Balancing the opportunities and managing the tensions inherent in an integrated ‘people-planet-profit approach, is what he enjoys and excels at. Tony is never happier than when a win-win-win outcome is achieved. In 2008, he relocated his consulting business, Tony Elvin Associates (TEA), to Cape Town, driven by the belief that his approach to social enterprise, rooted in fairness, inclusion, and practical experience, could effectively address challenges in post-apartheid South Africa. In 2013 Tony established Ikhaya le Langa NPO in Langa township in the belief that sustainable meaningful change happens in communities from the ground up. Tony moved to Langa township permanently in 2017 which is still his home, reflecting a deep commitment to his work, the people, and the community. Tony has been a pioneering figure in social enterprise innovation, providing strategic advice to both the public and private sectors. Additionally, he uses his extensive experience, insights, and skills as an award-winning stand-up comedian at corporate, academic and public speaking engagements to promote social enterprise methodology. Following extensive research and a decades-long immersion in Langa, Tony Elvin founded the Institute for Sustainable Townships Enterprise Development (InSTED) to share knowledge, replicate programs, connect and network South Africa’s 73 formal townships in a mission to shift the narrative of townships as problems spaces to centers of creativity and innovation.

Our Values

Community

Focuses on strengthening community capabilities to foster self-sufficiency and active participation in development.

Sustainability

Emphasizes both environmental sustainability and economic durability to ensure the long-term success of projects.

Collaboration

Values partnerships with local and international organizations to amplify the impact of community projects

Innovation

Encourages creative and innovative solutions to address traditional and emerging challenges effectively.

Anti-Fragility

Values resilience and adaptability; striving to thrive and grow in the face of stressors, shocks, and volatility.

Inclusivity

Promotes equal opportunities for all community members, ensuring broad participation and benefit from development initiatives.

Meet the Team

  • Tony Elvin

    Founder & Developing Director

  • Moline Rusere

    Head of Women Empowerment

  • Steve Carver

    CEO of U Can Grow

  • Tozamile Mnapu

    Head of Art & Programs

  • Asekho Mjojeli

    Head of Business Development & Agri-Entreprenership

  • Ian Harris

    Director of Coffeebeans Routes

  • Gugulethu Radebe

    Women Advocacy