Techpreneur | Speaker | Al Advocate
Co-Founder of Gambuu | Founder & MD of Genie-yus Al
Chuma Memela was born in the Eastern Cape in 1996. The early years of his life were spent in the rural town of Cala where he lived with his grandmother. At the age of four or five, he moved to East London to join his parents and begin his schooling journey. His academic foundation was laid at St. Anne's Primary School, a Catholic institution where discipline and values were integral to the curriculum. Chuma excelled academically, earning recognition as the top male achiever in his Grade 7 final year and serving as a prefect.
For high school, Chuma attended Port Rex Technical High School, where his interests began to take shape. Enrolled in technical subjects like mathematics, physical science, engineering graphics and design, and civil technology, he initially aspired to become a civil engineer. Beyond academics, Chuma was an active participant in sports, playing first-team rugby and tennis. He was recognized for his exemplary character with the Sportsmanship Award, a testament to his dedication both on and off the field.
Chuma Memela's entrepreneurial spirit revealed itself early on during his high school years at Port Rex Technical High School. Known for his resourcefulness, Chuma began selling sweets and chocolates to his classmates and schoolmates out of his rugby sports bag. However, this hustle soon drew the attention of teachers, as hawking was strictly prohibited on school grounds. Not one to be deterred, Chuma adapted his business model. He pivoted to selling counterfeit Beats earphones, capitalizing on the popularity of Dr. Dre's "Beats by Dre" brand. Purchasing the earphones for 10 rand at China Mall, he sold them for 20 rand, doubling his investment.
After completing high school, Chuma Memela embarked on his university journey at Nelson Mandela University (then NMMU), where he was accepted into a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics program. The two years he spent in this field were marked by academic exploration and active involvement in the #FeesMustFall movement, a defining moment in South African history. Chuma's entrepreneurial journey continued during his time at Nelson Mandela University (NMU). As a student, he sought ways to supplement the small pocket money he received from home. Out of his residence room, Chuma started selling dietary supplements, leveraging his network of peers and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, he found a creative income stream through cheerleading, using his talents to earn extra cash.
Despite his commitment to the program, Chuma realized that dietetics did not align with his true aspirations. His entrepreneurial dreams, long nurtured, began to take precedence. In 2017, he made the bold decision to drop out and pursue entrepreneurship full-time. However, his first attempt at establishing a business was met with challenges, prompting him to seek work opportunities. In 2018, Chuma secured a learnership, but after six unfulfilling months, he decided to return to academia.
Determined to improve his prospects, he arrived at the University of Fort Hare in 2019 as a walk-in applicant. After three weeks of persistence, he was granted admission and began a new chapter in his academic journey. At Fort Hare, Chuma pursued a degree in Economics and Information Systems, excelling with 23 distinctions and graduating cum laude. He continued to push boundaries, completing an honours degree in Information Systems as the top student in his class. His commitment to academic excellence earned him numerous awards, including:
-1st Place Honours Course Work Award (2022)
-ETDP SETA bursary award (2019–2021), during which he served as a
class representative for various undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
Chuma also participated in competitive academic programs and leadership opportunities:
-He was one of 25 selected for the UFH–FES Autumn School on
Social Democracy and Political Economy (2022–2023).
-At the EBL Institute, he achieved 3rd place nationally out of 500 students (2024),
earned the Top Achiever Award for the Eastern Cape, and was recognized with the Dedication Award.
Additionally, Chuma expanded his education beyond Fort Hare by enrolling at the University of the Free State Business School. He completed a qualification in Business and Information Technology, finishing third out of 500 students with an impressive 89% average. Currently, Chuma is pursuing a Master of Commerce in Information Systems at the University of Fort Hare. Each step of his university experience has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to growth, qualities that have shaped both his academic and personal journey.
Life after university was an uphill battle for Chuma Memela, marked by relentless rejection and a sense of hopelessness. Armed with his degree and academic accolades, he entered the job market with high hopes, determined to secure a position that aligned with his skills and aspirations. However, the reality was far harsher than he had anticipated. Chuma applied to over 300 companies across multiple platforms, casting his net wide in a desperate attempt to find employment. While some of his applications led to interviews, these encounters rarely bore fruit. Time and time again, he would leave the interviews hopeful, only to be met with silence or rejection. After months of trying, he began to consider himself unemployable. One experience, in particular, underscored the emotional toll of this period. Chuma had applied to the same company three times, hopeful that his persistence would eventually pay off. Instead, he was met with an email from the recruitment agency, accusing him of harassment and advising him to stop submitting applications. It was a crushing moment that left him questioning his value and his place in the professional world. Despite these setbacks, Chuma’s resilience began to shine through.
Facing rejection after rejection, he decided to shift his focus to the one thing he could control: his newly established research company, Genie Research Analytics Lab. What had initially been a side project became his lifeline. Instead of waiting for doors to open, Chuma chose to build his own. This decision marked a turning point. He threw himself into the work, offering research services to organizations and gradually carving out a niche for himself. While the journey was not without challenges, this chapter of his life became a testament to his ability to adapt, persevere, and create opportunities in the face of adversity.
Chuma’s reputation as a thought leader in artificial intelligence has made him a sought-after speaker, and he has collaborated with prominent brands such as JCI Durban, JCI Nigeria, EBL Institute, BCM and Local Economic Development, National Youth ICT Council, Keith Ngesi Radio (KNR Radio), Mdantsane FM, and Tru FM to share his insights and visions on AI and its future impact.
Today, Chuma is fully immersed in building two ventures that reflect his vision and purpose. His first project, Gambuu, started as a platform to connect freelance workers and consultants. Over the past eight months, the startup has evolved into a team of four, actively preparing for its launch in January 2025. The goal is to empower creators and expert professionals to thrive in the consulting space, providing them with access to meaningful opportunities. Chuma’s second venture, Genie-yus AI, was inspired by the gap he observed in small businesses leveraging artificial intelligence. Through this initiative, Chuma helps entrepreneurs integrate AI into their operations, optimizing their processes and unlocking growth potential. Launched during Global Entrepreneurship Week, Genie-yus AI is building partnerships to fuel its aggressive growth strategy for 2025.
As Chuma reflects on his journey, he sees his path as one of resilience, growth, and purpose. Though the road of entrepreneurship is not easy, he is deeply fulfilled by the opportunity to dedicate his life to creating meaningful change. With Gambuu and Genie-yus AI at the forefront of his efforts, Chuma is shaping a future defined by innovation, empowerment, and impact.
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