TikTok to Tech-Start Up: The Rise of Thando Mzimela-Ntuli
By Anelisa Mzimela
In 2022, a young charismatic man quickly became a viral sensation on TikTok in a world dominated by fleeting trends and viral moments. Thando Mzimela-Ntuli is a trailblazer. The first Black Head Boy of Westville Boys' High School and a second-year Information Systems student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), he also co-founded tech startup UniMark, which aims to revolutionise how students connect with local goods and services.
The moment that catapulted Thando into the social media spotlight was the infamous “Word of the Day” video. The challenge was a simple question where participants were asked to share an inspiring or interesting word. Thando, known for his articulate nature, took the challenge in stride. When a fellow student asked him for the Word of the Day, he responded with "pulchritudinous," a term that refers to something of indescribable beauty. The dense and obscure word caught the internet’s attention, and the video quickly went viral. Reflecting on that moment, Thando laughs. “It’s funny because I had no idea what TikTok even was at the time. But there I was, trying to be helpful, and suddenly people were calling me ‘Mr. Pulchritudinous.’” He shares, “It’s like I became this character online, and that was just the beginning.”
“I realised that people are interested in who I am and what I stand for.”
What truly set Thando apart was his ability to evolve beyond this initial viral moment. After his viral debut, Thando made a conscious decision to pivot his content toward something more meaningful. Recognising the platform he had gained, he began to share aspects of his culture and the pride he holds in it. “I realised that people are interested in who I am and what I stand for,” he explains. “So, I used my platform to introduce them to something that I hold very dear—my Zulu heritage.”
TikTok became more than just a social media platform for Thando—it became a place for storytelling. His passion for cinema, filming, and editing found a perfect outlet in TikTok videos that celebrated his cultural identity. Despite the pressures that come with being labelled an “influencer,” Thando remained true to his roots, refusing to be boxed in by expectations. “Sometimes art needs to be spontaneous, not scheduled. I try to run away from this idea of me being an influencer as much as possible,” he says. For Thando, creating content is an art form, a way to tell stories that resonate deeply with his audience.
As Thando’s following grew, so did his desire to create something impactful. Alongside his co-founder Rorisang Mathabe, Thando launched UniMark. UniMark isn’t your typical startup—it’s a platform designed by students for students that connects university students to local goods and services offered by their peers. The idea for UniMark was born out of a shared frustration that Thando and Rorisang experienced during their time at UCT. Rorisang, unable to find a local barber, and Thando, an introvert struggling to navigate a new city, recognised a gap in the market: there was no central platform where students could easily access trusted service providers.
UniMark was their solution—a digital marketplace which Thando describes as an “online supermarket” where students could easily find and book services provided by fellow students and local entrepreneurs. “UniMark really is a story of student entrepreneurs connecting with each other,” Thando explains. At its core, UniMark is more than just a business—it is a mission to create a space where student entrepreneurs can thrive.
“The challenge isn’t just about starting a business. It’s about doing something you don’t often see people who look like you doing.”
What sets UniMark apart from other startups is its core philosophy: impact over revenue. “I'm not in the business of making money—I'm in the business of making lives better,” Thando emphasises. Thando's eyes light up as he talks about the impact UniMark has had. “We’ve had businesses tell us that their sales have skyrocketed since they started using UniMark. And that’s what it’s all about—giving these young entrepreneurs and local businesses the tools they need to succeed.” Thando has big plans for the platform, which is already in the process of onboarding student businesses. It is already gaining traction at UCT, but Thando and Rorisang have their sights set on expanding to other universities across South Africa.
For Thando, UniMark is not just a business venture, but a beacon of hope for other young Black students who might be unsure of their place in the entrepreneurial world. “The challenge isn’t just about starting a business,” Thando reflects. “It’s about doing something you don’t often see people who look like you doing.” He emphasises the rarity of Black tech startups, adding, “It becomes hard to strive for something you’ve never seen before.” This, he believes, highlights the need for more representation—to demonstrate that success is possible and to inspire others to take that leap.
When asked what advice he would give to other students aspiring to turn their ideas into reality, Thando’s answer is as insightful as it is straightforward. “Stop leaving things as just ideas,” he advises. “The only thing that holds young people back is fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to fail. It’s part of the process.” Thando emphasises the importance of perseverance, saying, “You have to believe in what you’re doing.” He goes on to explain, “It’s okay to stumble along the way. If you truly believe in your idea, it’s harder to be shaken from making it work.” His journey with UniMark is a testament to his belief in collaboration and community. “That’s how you make it work—by working together, by building something as a team.” This principle, he asserts, applies not only to business but to life as well.
Thando Mzimela-Ntuli is a remarkable example of how passion, cultural pride, and a commitment to impact can come together to create something truly special. From his accidental rise to fame on TikTok to his purposeful transition into tech entrepreneurship, Thando’s journey is one of inspiration and empowerment. As Thando continues to grow both as a content creator and an entrepreneur, one thing is certain: his impact on the UCT community and beyond is just beginning.