Thembekwayo and Hinton Release Small Business Guide

Authors provide growth strategies for small players to challenge industry leaders.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Business Strategy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a cluster of small stone cubes surrounding one massive dark block, symbolizing business competition. — Authors Vusi Thembekwayo and Michael Hinton have released 'Underdogs', a new business guide detailing strategies for small enterprises to challenge industry leaders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe small businesses can successfully compete against major industry players through strategic planning?

Vusi Thembekwayo and Michael Hinton have published a new book titled Underdogs: How Small Players Can Become Business Titans. The book aims to provide small businesses with practical strategies for competing against established corporate titans.

Why it matters

The authors intend to equip small enterprises with a framework to navigate a challenging economic landscape. This guide focuses on helping these businesses build competitive positions within their respective markets.

South Africa faces a $350 billion funding gap for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The book incorporates 25 years of experience from Michael Hinton regarding the growth of African brands.

The players

Vusi Thembekwayo

He is an author and business professional who co-authored the strategy guide for small businesses.

Michael Hinton

He is a business strategist with 25 years of experience working with various African brands.

Jonathan Ball Publishers

This is the publishing house responsible for the release of the new book.

The details

Published by Jonathan Ball Publishers, the book identifies five core priorities for business growth: strategy, customers and competitors, autonomy and automation, leadership, and energy. It draws on lessons from successful companies that have competed against larger rivals, including Nando's, Canva, and Under Armour.

27 October 2026: The book is released and discussed in recent reporting.

Market Landscape

This work addresses the structural hurdles inherent in the South African market, specifically the $350 billion funding gap for small enterprises. It positions small companies to capture market share by applying specific operational priorities against established competitors.

Small business owners may find actionable operational frameworks to improve their competitiveness in the local market. By implementing the identified five priorities, entrepreneurs can potentially navigate capital constraints and scale their operations more effectively.

The takeaway

Small enterprises can increase their competitiveness by prioritising energy, leadership, and strategic autonomy alongside traditional business planning. Adopting these lessons from established titans may help smaller firms navigate the significant funding challenges present in South Africa.