A new South African startup, Tivvio, is aiming to change how events are organised and experienced by focusing on small, community-driven gatherings rather than large-scale shows.
Launched in 2026 in Durban, the platform was founded by Siyabonga Ngcobo. It offers a simple digital ticketing system that allows event organisers to create and manage events quickly without needing advanced technical skills.
Through the platform, users can set up event pages, sell tickets, and track attendance. It also supports local payment methods and provides fast payouts, making it easier for organisers to manage their cash flow.
Ngcobo said the current ticketing market in South Africa focuses mainly on transactions, with little attention given to user experience or community building. He explained that Tivvio aims to go further by helping people discover events, connect with others, and build a sense of identity around the events they attend.
Unlike many established ticketing platforms, Tivvio focuses on small and medium-sized events. These include recurring gatherings such as community meetups, creative showcases, and local experiences that are often overlooked by larger platforms.
The startup says this approach fills a gap in the market, where existing tools may not offer the flexibility or features needed by independent organisers.
To support this vision, Tivvio has built social features directly into its platform. These include event feeds, attendee profiles, and discovery tools designed to make events more interactive and engaging, rather than just a one-time transaction.
The company operates on a commission-based model, charging a fee for each ticket sold instead of requiring subscriptions or fixed costs. This lowers the barrier for entry, especially for smaller creators and community-led events.
Although still in its early stages, Tivvio is currently focused on growing its user base within South Africa. The company has plans to expand into other cities and eventually into wider African markets, with a system designed to adapt to different local payment methods.
Tivvio’s approach reflects a broader shift in the ticketing industry, where platforms are moving beyond simple sales tools to become spaces that support communities and shared experiences.
