How Prof. Ranel Venter is Revolutionizing School Shoes in Africa
Prof. Ranel Venter is a leading researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) and CEO of Banzifeet, a pioneering South African company dedicated to improving the foot development of school-going children. Prof. Venter’s entrepreneurial story is a testament to how research and innovation can converge to create solutions that could have a lasting impact on local communities.
The idea for Banzifeet began in 2016 when Prof. Venter co-led a joint study with the University of Hamburg. The research examined the foot morphology of children growing up barefoot in South Africa and Germany, uncovering significant differences between barefoot children and those wearing shoes. The study revealed that South African children tend to have wider and larger feet, yet the standard school shoes available in the country were designed too narrowly, causing discomfort and potential long-term developmental issues.
From Problem to Opportunity
Prof. Venter saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and to make a lasting impact. “The data was clear,” she says. “Ill-fitting shoes don’t just cause discomfort; they can affect foot function, gait, and overall development. I knew something had to be done.”
Recognizing that systemic change was needed, Prof. Venter took the leap into entrepreneurship. Partnering with Innovus Technology Transfer Office at Stellenbosch University, she founded Banzifeet alongside fellow researchers Elbe De Villiers and Marise Breet.
The company’s mission is ambitious yet straightforward: to provide school shoe manufacturers with accurate data on South African children’s foot shapes, enabling them to design better-fitting footwear. “It’s about empowering existing manufacturers with the tools they need to create shoes that support healthy development,” she explains.
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from research to business wasn’t without its hurdles. Prof. Venter recalls the steep learning curve involved in navigating legal requirements, developing a business model, and marketing a product. “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted,” she admits. “You need to be prepared for setbacks and willing to learn as you go.”
Despite the challenges, Banzifeet has made significant strides. The company has developed a certification model unique to Stellenbosch University, that helps manufacturers assess and improve their shoe designs. Their prototypes have been tested in local schools, and they’ve even acquired a 3D foot scanner to enhance data accuracy. Recently, Banzifeet partnered with Bolton Footwear to manufacture the first Banzifeet Gold certificate school shoe.
Impacting Lives, One Step at a Time
Banzifeet’s work is already creating ripples of change. In Kylemore, Stellenbosch, a local shoe company partnered with Banzifeet to establish a “shoe library,” providing children with access to better-fitting shoes as they grow. “This is just the beginning,” says Prof. Venter. “We’re working to influence policymakers and raise awareness about the importance of proper footwear.”
Prof. Venter is also passionate about challenging stigmas. “Being barefoot is often associated with poverty, but it’s actually incredibly beneficial for children’s foot and ankle development, especially those who participate in sports,” she emphasizes.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those inspired by her story, Prof. Venter offers this advice:
- Be Passionate About Your Cause: “Starting a business is not just about making money. It’s about solving a problem and making a difference.”
- Stay Resilient: “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be prepared to face challenges and keep going.”
- Look for Support: “Partnering with the right people can make all the difference. Innovus was instrumental in helping us navigate the business side of things.”
Prof. Venter’s journey with Banzifeet is a powerful reminder that great businesses often start with a simple idea: identifying a problem and working tirelessly to solve it. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her story is proof that passion, collaboration, and resilience can turn challenges into opportunities and research into real-world impact.
