Meet the Absa Small Business Friday business of the week – The Cubing Hub.
In a world where digital distractions abound, Donovan Pretorius is making a difference by empowering South African youth through an unconventional tool: the Rubik’s cube. As the founder of The Cubing Hub, Donovan’s mission goes far beyond teaching students how to solve a puzzle. His programs inspire critical thinking, perseverance, and resilience, equipping young minds with life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Donovan started The Cubing Hub with a simple vision: to help students uncover their potential by teaching them to master the Rubik’s cube. The business operates on the belief that cubing is not merely a mental exercise; it’s a medium for personal growth.
“Our motto, ‘Born average, destined for greatness,’ is more than just a slogan,” Donovan explains. “It reflects our commitment to helping students recognize their potential, turning everyday skills into tools for success.”
Operating primarily in schools around Cape Town, The Cubing Hub runs programs that integrate seamlessly into students’ daily lives, fostering a passion for learning and problem-solving. In addition to in-school programs, The Cubing Hub organises competitions and clubs to connect young cubers who share a love for the challenge, building a supportive community. Donovan actively engages parents, educating them on the benefits of cubing as a tool for personal growth, which ultimately supports his holistic approach to student development.
A journey of resilience and determination
Donovan’s entrepreneurial journey began with a question from his mentor: “What is in your hands?” After a popcorn business he ran in high school closed, Donovan turned to his passion for cubing. When a friend asked him for lessons and paid him, Donovan realised that this could be more than just a hobby. He began teaching other students, quickly building a following at Northern Cape High School. Driven by a dream of making a greater impact, he devoted himself to building The Cubing Hub.
Like any small business journey, Donovan faced both challenges and triumphs. His journey was marked by moments of forward momentum and periods of setback, most notably during the pandemic when he had to pause operations. However, instead of giving up, Donovan used this downtime to refine his vision and plan for the future. In 2022, with just R13,000 left, he made a bold move to Cape Town, determined to push his business forward.
Today, Donovan’s dream has transformed from a one-man show to a team of five employees, serving schools across Cape Town.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about how quickly you achieve success,” he reflects. “It’s about enduring the challenges and staying true to your vision.”
His consistency and determination have been essential to his growth, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to expand the reach of The Cubing Hub.
Creating change and building the future
One of the biggest challenges Donovan faced was gaining access to schools, which often had busy schedules and limited time for extracurricular programs. After numerous rejections, Donovan adapted his approach, positioning cubing not just as a valuable extracurricular but as a unique, essential offering that aligns with educational goals. Through persistence and strategic marketing, Donovan was able to establish partnerships with schools, embedding The Cubing Hub into the lives of students across Cape Town.
Why small business matters to South Africa’s future
Donovan is an advocate for small businesses, recognising their essential role in tackling unemployment and fostering economic growth in South Africa. He believes that small businesses are crucial to creating jobs and driving societal progress. “Nothing big ever started out big,” Donovan says, echoing his own story of starting from scratch. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful:
“Think big. Aim to scale. Build a business that’s not just about yourself but has the potential to employ others and create more opportunities.”
Through his unwavering commitment, Donovan Pretorius is proving that with the right mindset, a simple Rubik’s cube can become a tool for lasting impact, helping South Africa’s youth solve the puzzle of their own potential.