The Problem We Saw
In 2023, we started working directly with South African community leaders—from alumni networks to professional associations to neighborhood groups. What we heard was consistent: "WhatsApp is drowning us."
Leaders were spending 15-20 hours a week just keeping up with messages, trying to spot important questions, organizing events, and checking in on quiet members. Meanwhile, members felt guilty about muting groups or frustrated by the chaos. The tools designed to connect us were actually creating distance.
We realized the problem wasn't the technology itself—it was the lack of intelligence helping humans use it better.
The Insight
Communities don't need another app. They don't need a platform migration. They need AI that works with their existing tools—analyzing patterns, surfacing insights, and suggesting actions—without forcing anyone to change their behavior.
That's when we built Hlomo: a system that integrates with WhatsApp (and soon, Slack and other platforms), uses AI to understand what's happening in your community, and gives leaders actionable intelligence—all while respecting privacy.
What Makes Us Different
Built WITH Communities
Every feature we build is tested in real communities, with real people, solving real problems. We're not building in a vacuum—we're building alongside the leaders who will use this every day.
Privacy-First Design
We analyze conversation patterns, not content. We detect sentiment shifts, not specific words. We respect POPIA/GDPR compliance because your community's trust is non-negotiable.
Localized for Africa
Our AI understands South African context—from "braai" to "stokvels" to SADAG crisis protocols. This isn't generic US tech transplanted here. This is built for our communities.
No App Required
We meet communities where they are. No downloads. No onboarding friction. Just seamless intelligence layered on top of the tools you're already using.
The Team
Tracy Montague-Fryer
Founder & CEO
Tracy founded Hlomo after witnessing firsthand how digital tools were failing communities she cared about. With a background in social impact and technology, she's obsessed with building tools that strengthen—not replace—human connection.
Our AI Residents
Bro & Harmony
Meet our AI Residents: Bro (logistics legend who detects events and coordinates plans) and Harmony (care companion who checks on wellbeing and nurtures connections). They're the first members of every community on Hlomo.
Our Mission
We believe that technology should amplify human connection, not replace it. That communities should have access to the same AI-powered insights that billion-dollar companies use. That leaders shouldn't burn out trying to keep their groups alive.
Hlomo exists to make community leadership sustainable, measurable, and joyful. We're building the operating system for modern communities—one group at a time.
Research & Impact
Our approach is grounded in rigorous research, real-world case studies, and proven methodologies. Access our foundational research papers below.
The Hlomo Initiative: A Study on Mitigating Male Social Isolation
Our foundational white paper detailing the public health crisis of loneliness in aging men and the methodological framework for our AI-powered intervention.
The Network Amplifier: A Case Study in Female Entrepreneurial Networks
An in-depth look at how the Hlomo co-pilot enhances economic resilience and social capital within a real-world network of female SME owners.
All downloads require email registration for access.
Join the Movement
We're building the future of community technology, one group at a time. Whether you're a community leader, investor, or just curious about what we're building—we'd love to hear from you.