THABANG ZULU: A 40 UNDER 40 CEO PUTTING AFRICAN GAMING ON THE GLOBAL MAP THROUGH GLITCH PORTAL

Thabang Zulu is redefining African storytelling through gaming innovation with Glitch Portal, placing culture and creativity.

Africa Gaming Glitch portal Cultural heritage Creativity Innovation African stories
Thabang Zulu, CEO of Glitch Portal
Thabang Zulu, CEO of Glitch Portal



Thabang Zulu, the trailblazing CEO of Glitch Portal, is not just shaping the future of African gaming; he’s reimagining how African stories are told through interactive technology. Listed among Africa’s 40 Under 40 top-performing CEOs, Zulu’s work is bridging cultural heritage and digital innovation, positioning gaming as a powerful tool in Africa’s broader digital transformation.

Through Glitch Portal, Zulu and his team have showcased uniquely South African cultural elements on global stages like the Web Summit in Portugal and Brazil. These experiences affirmed his belief in the global readiness to embrace African narratives in gaming. “It strengthened my vision,” he said. “The world appreciated the South African spice we brought into our products.”

For Zulu, gaming is more than entertainment; it’s a storytelling medium, a source of economic potential, and a vehicle for identity. He believes Africa is sitting on “a lot of gold” in terms of untapped stories and cultural material that can be transformed into compelling, inclusive game experiences.

Zulu has steered Glitch Portal through strategic partnerships, grant programs, and game development competitions. His efforts highlight the viability of gaming as a career path and a contributor to job creation across the continent.

Zulu also prioritizes mentorship and internships within Glitch Portal, fostering innovation and giving young creatives from diverse backgrounds the space to explore how their talents, whether in animation, coding, or storytelling, can shape the gaming industry. 

When asked what advice he would give to young African developers, his answer is simple yet powerful: “Just do it.” For Zulu, starting, no matter how uncertain or imperfect, is the most crucial step in building something meaningful.

Being named among the 40 Under 40 is both an honor and a responsibility for Zulu. “It feels surreal,” he says. “I feel like a beacon, that others can follow and say yes,  it can be done.”

Through Glitch Portal, Thabang Zulu is not only building games, he’s building a legacy rooted in culture, innovation, and the power of African storytelling.

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