"I LEARNT that sustainable growth comes from structure, planning and clarity, not just effort."
These were the words of Thobani Zungu, a young hustler from Durban in KZN who has just made it to the top 10 finalists of a big business competition.
The entrepreneurs from various provinces in the country were honoured on Thursday, 2 February, in Joburg.
Thobani, who runs NGI4 Xpress, a logistics company, is one of ten entrepreneurs who beat 373 other hopefuls to reach the finals of the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme.
He said the four-month journey has changed his life!
"I also learnt the value of community, partnering, collaborating, and that asking for help accelerates progress," Thobani said.
The programme focused on logistics and farming - two sectors that can create jobs and put food on tables across South Africa.
Thobani and his fellow finalists went through tough online training, coaching, leadership development and business mentorship.
ALSO READ | SunGereza: From jobless to burger boss!Opens in new window
But it was all worth it!
The other finalists include Aphelele Ndamase, who runs a livestock business in KZN, Approved Mache of TAP Group in Cape Town, and Mokgadi Mpya of Ditlou M Investments.
They come from the Western Cape, Limpopo, KZN and Gauteng, respectively.
Aphelele said the sessions gave her practical tools and inspiration.
"It contributed directly to both my personal growth and that of my business," she said.
Mokgadi said: "Every small step I take, whether it's learning about reputations, improving my farm management or building better networks, brings me closer to the bigger vision."
The programme gave participants national exposure, market opportunities and a network of fellow hustlers.
Even those who didn't make the top 10 still benefit from the programme's resources.
Metropolitan's chief marketing officer Lindiwe Gumede praised Thobani and the other finalists.
"When entrepreneurs change what is possible for themselves, they rewrite what is possible for everyone who comes after them," she said.
Now comes the big prize!
Thobani and the other nine finalists will get cash injections, media and branding support, business coaching and access to the MyDough platform.
This will help them grow their businesses and leave a lasting mark on their communities.
For Thobani, it's proof that asking for help and learning from others can take you places.
