7-Year-Old Entrepreneur Creates Super Hero Character, SuperMash

South Africa’s 7-year-old Social Entrepreneur, Prince Mashawana is changing the game in the country’s social space by creating a novel compelling superhero figure – SuperMash.

The superhero concept will not only be an adventure for kids but a business initiative which will open a unique revenue stream specifically meant to support the concept

SuperMash’s character whose adventures will help young kids face some of life’s biggest challenges, launched on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Pirates Club in Greenside, Johannesburg with a comic book and got merchandise supports with T-Shirts, caps, lunch boxes and bags.

The character SuperMash which seeks to arouse social responsibility and self-awareness will highlight the reasons behind what he does when faced with challenges especially emotional issues facing young South Africans from day to day, such as learning how to read and write, self-confidence issues and adapting to new living environments.

Prince explained that the SuperMash stories will reflect real-life experiences of people in Mzansi; “I wanted to see a superhero with stories that are more like real life.”

“Young people in Mzansi have a lot of challenges. I thought it would be fun to have stories and a hero about that. So that’s what the business is all about,” Prince added.

SuperMash is South Africa’s first black child fictional superhero, who inspires young kids to see themselves as heroes. The concept is for him to be the friend that can share his superpowers that can be shared by wearing the SuperMash wrist band.

The fictional character will engage children to be better prepared to overcome life’s challenges by helping them learn the true depth of the power within themselves as they boost self-awareness, grow emotionally and assume personal responsibility,.

As for the merchandising aspects, a business model was created to help boost the SuperMash brand where the young entrepreneur will co-produce animated bedtime short stories, movies, and books.

Under the production of the SuperMash hero story, sales of souvenirs such as stationery, lunch boxes, clothing range and school bags will be a part of the revenue streams.

Both of young Mashawana’s parents; actress Lerato Zah and his father, prominent businessman Collen Mashawana had strong support for him having been pleased with his entrepreneurial drive, and creativity.

“It’s been fascinating to watch someone so young develop something like this,” Collen Mashawana said.”

“The desire to use creativity to help young South Africans deal with life challenges in a positive way has been incredible to see. Even more amazing to see was the hard work and dedication that Prince has put in while working on this project with Omphile and Phemelo Dibodu at Rainbow Nation Comics. It’s been an inspiring and motivating journey for all of us, and one we’ve really enjoyed and are extremely proud of,” Collen added.

South African comic book publisher Rainbow Nation Comics that creates original, authentic and proudly South African Superhero Stories worked in partnership with the young entrepreneur to help develop his ideas to professional levels that t will see fans and readers entertained and owning a part of the merchandising.

Prince worked closely with story writer and editor Phemelo Dibodu, as well as illustrator and creative director Omphile Dibodu.

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