Banathi Sihonqo, founder of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic is excited to be among the five Durban University of Technology (DUT) student entrepreneurs who will represent DUT in the finals of the esteemed Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. His name will be listed in history as for the first time in Africa the DUT through the Technology, Transfer and Innovation unit, in collaboration with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will host this prestigious competition which will feature student entrepreneurs from 28 universities in 23 different countries from 30 October to 31 October 2025.
The student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world will be competing to showcase their solutions to urban challenges and to work towards becoming job creators instead of job seekers.
Sihonqo from Pietermaritzburg is currently a Master of Health Sciences in Somatology student at DUT. His professional background includes working at Euphrates Cosmetics Clinic and serving as a clinician at the DUT Somatology Clinic, where his core role involves overseeing students during treatments, guiding them in professional service delivery, and assisting with client interactions to ensure quality care. In 2023, he founded Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic (Pty) Ltd, a growing wellness brand now operating from its permanent location at Umbilo Medicare Clinic. Sihonqo has also participated in the DUT innobiz Centre Incubation Programme and was a semi-finalist in the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition. His work combines clinical expertise, mentorship, and entrepreneurial innovation to promote health and well-being in the community
Sharing his excitement on being a GISU finalist, Sihonqo said: “I’m honestly excited and grateful to be a finalist in the 2025 Alliance Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. For me, it’s not just about the recognition, it’s about seeing the vision for Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic resonate with others. It’s a proud moment, but also a push to keep innovating and creating real change.”
Unpacking his business, Sihonqo said Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic is a Durban-based wellness brand founded in 2023, offering a unique hybrid service model that combines the convenience of mobile spa treatments with the professionalism of a location-based clinic at Umbilo Medicare Clinic.
“Our mission is to make wellness personal, accessible, and holistic for everyone. We provide a full range of services, from massage therapy and skincare to holistic body treatments, all tailored to individual needs. Clients can choose to visit our clinic or enjoy treatments in the comfort of their homes or offices. We also offer subscription wellness plans that promote long-term, consistent well-being,” he shared.
Since inception of his business, Sihonqo said they have focused on bridging the gap in the market for convenient, high-quality, and personalized wellness care, especially for busy professionals, corporates, and wellness-conscious individuals. Looking ahead, he said they aim to grow into a nationally recognised brand. Additionally, he said they want to redefine self-care in South Africa, making it something people can easily integrate into their everyday lives without compromising on quality or results.
“The competition began with the first round, which required us to submit a PowerPoint presentation along with a short video clip where our team introduced ourselves and gave an overview of the business, our concept, value proposition, and vision. From there, we progressed to the second round, which involved a more detailed screening process. This stage was an opportunity for the judges to take a closer look at our business model, innovation, and potential impact. The experience was both exciting and challenging, it allowed us to refine our presentation skills, think critically about our growth strategy, and receive valuable feedback that we can carry forward as we continue to build Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic,” said Sihonqo, sharing his experience on the competition.
If he wins, he hopes to achieve three key things: greater visibility, strategic partnerships, and growth funding for Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic. He believes winning would give them a platform to amplify their mission of making wellness accessible, personal, and holistic, while connecting with industry leaders and potential collaborators who can help them scale their hybrid service model across South Africa.
Sihonqo’s goals are to grow Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic across South Africa, launch a digital platform for easier wellness access, and to build a training academy to empower future professionals. He plans to keep innovating while making a real difference in people’s health and lives.
Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT said that this competition will offer a platform to enhance the brilliance of student innovators and entrepreneurs who are aiming to solve some of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.
“This competition is more than just a showcase, it is a platform for our student innovators and entrepreneurs to apply their creativity, research, and passion to real-world urban challenges. It connects them with global peers, fosters cross-cultural collaboration, and exposes them to international best practices. Through this experience, they are not only representing our institution but also proving that our young innovators have the ideas and drive to shape sustainable cities of the future. We wish them every success as they enter the finals,” she said.
Pictured: Banathi Sihonqo, founder of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic
Simangele Zuma
