Our Financial Journey

Building stronger businesses through practical financial education that actually makes sense for South African entrepreneurs

Where We Started

Back in 2019, I was sitting in a cramped office in Diepmeadow, watching another small business owner walk away confused after a consultation. She'd asked simple questions about cash flow, but the answers she got elsewhere were wrapped in jargon that made her feel stupid.

That's when it hit me — financial education in South Africa wasn't speaking to real people dealing with real problems. Everyone was using textbook examples that had nothing to do with running a spaza shop or starting a catering business from home.

We started cognasylvira because financial literacy shouldn't require a degree in economics. It should make sense over a cup of tea.

What began as weekend workshops in community centers has grown into something bigger. But we've never forgotten that moment of frustration that started it all. Every course we create, every resource we share — it all comes back to making finance accessible for people who've been told it's too complicated for them.

What Drives Us Forward

Our mission shapes everything we do, and our values guide how we do it

Plain Language Promise

We translate complex financial concepts into everyday language. No buzzwords, no confusing terminology — just clear explanations that help you make better business decisions. When we say "cash flow," we explain exactly what that means for your monthly expenses.

Real South African Context

Our examples use rands, not dollars. We talk about SARS requirements, not abstract tax concepts. Every scenario we discuss reflects the actual challenges facing South African entrepreneurs, from informal trading regulations to accessing business funding.

Practical Over Perfect

We focus on what works in practice, not what looks good in theory. Our approach prioritizes actionable strategies you can implement immediately, even if your business isn't perfectly organized yet. Progress beats perfection every time.

850+ Business Owners Trained

5 Years of Experience

15 Communities Reached

Meet Our Team

The people behind cognasylvira bring real-world experience from both corporate finance and small business ownership

Thabo Mthembu

Founder & Lead Educator

Small Business Finance Tax Planning Cash Flow Management Business Planning

Experience That Counts

Thabo spent eight years in corporate finance before starting his own consulting practice. He's walked the path that many of our students are on — from employee to entrepreneur, learning the hard lessons about business finance along the way.

What sets our approach apart is this combination of formal training and street-smart business experience. Thabo holds qualifications in financial management but has also run a successful consulting business for over six years. He understands both the theory and the reality.

Beyond individual consulting, we work with community organizations across Gauteng to deliver group training sessions. Our partnership with local business development centers means we can reach entrepreneurs who might not otherwise access financial education.