Enterprise development awards in Lephalale
THE annual Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) Enterprise Development Awards ceremony was held in Lephalale at the Junction recently.
LIMPOPO – THE annual Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) Enterprise Development Awards ceremony was held in Lephalale at the Junction recently.
The second leg of the regional awards saw small business owners from the SBU Lephalale incubator being honoured for their contribution to socio-economic development within the region.
The Enterprise Development Awards highlight Shanduka Black Umbrellas’ commitment to assisting black business owners around the country in becoming sustainable enterprises.
SBU’s extensive incubation programme ensures that the low levels of sustainable entrepreneurship among 100% black owned businesses in South Africa are addressed. Shanduka Black Umbrellas operates eight business incubators in the country and has benefitted over 2000 entrepreneurs.
“It is through the commitment of the clients in our incubator that we are able to host the first-ever awards of this kind in Lephalale. We would like to thank our key partners Anglo Zimele, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa, and Exxaro for supporting the incubation programme. Moreover we are thankful to our mentors, training providers, and staff members for their passion in enterprise development,” said Ashrus Ngobeni, regional manager of the Lephalale business incubator.
Hula Minerals and Processing started by Mandisa Masango in 2007, received three awards. The mineral processing company was awarded first place in the Most Jobs Created category for creating 14 jobs.
The company was also awarded two second place awards in the categories: Best Performing Company and Best SBU Ambassador.
Second place in the Most Jobs Created category was awarded to Setumishi Building Construction and Enterprise (Pty) Ltd owned by Raesibe Evelyn Maphoto for creating 13 jobs.
The building and construction company also took first place in the Best Performing Company category and joint third in Best SBU Ambassador category. Tlhokapelaelo Transport and Plant Hire (Pty) Ltd was also awarded third place in two categories: Most Jobs Created for the 10 new jobs and Best Performing Company. The company was started by Tlhompho Seretlo.
Sunglide 68 CC owned by Elliot Senwamadi, took first place in the Best SBU Ambassador category while CSV Holdings (Pty) Ltd owned by Shalate Thobane took third place alongside Setumishi Building Construction and Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.
This year’s winners are a true reflection of dedication and hard work.
The Lephalale incubator has only been operating for 18 months but it has a 26 businesses actively involved in the incubation programme. Twelve are in full incubation and the other 14 businesses are still in the pre-incubation stage. The Enterprise Development awards will continue to take place throughout April in the seven other regions in which SBU operates. The national awards will draw in SBU clients from across the country, where they will be recognised for their accomplishments and contribution to their respective communities.
