ENTREPRENEURS get recognised for their innovations.
The Limpopo Business Awards awarded the province's most innovative and impactful Small, Micro, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) at a prestigious ceremony on Wednesday, 2 April.
The awards saw 167 entries, with 42 shortlisted businesses, showcasing the province's diverse business landscape and growing entrepreneurial activity.
Each of the category winners walked away with R85 000 in prize money. They, along with all finalists, also gain access to the Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme.
Mashapa Malema of Xclusive Spot Restaurant, based in Seshego, won in the tourism category and was thrilled about the recognition.
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"It feels great to know that the work I do for my community is being noticed. That's the best part for me," he said.
The 46-year-old Mashapa has ambitious plans for his winnings.
"We're working on expanding the business into a franchise model. The idea is to have a drive-through system where customers order and get their meal within 15 minutes" he said.
Like any business, his journey has been full of obstacles.
"Competition is tough, especially in townships where many businesses offer similar services. It's not always easy, but we keep pushing. You have to be ready for challenges. They will come, but staying determined is what sets winners apart," he said.
Agriculture category winner Morajana Animal Production, owned by Tshegofatso Tjale, was also thrilled to win.
The 26-year-old Tshegofatso from Ga-Matlala is passionate about making a difference in his kasi.
"It's not just a win for me. It's for my community, the young people I mentor and the women I work with. This is proof that hard work pays off," he said.
With his winnings, he plans to scale up production and increase capacity.
"We need to expand and produce more. This will allow us to employ more people and grow even further," he said.
Other winners across various industries were:
- Dr Ntanganedzeni Muambadzi's molecular imaging therapy, which won in the health and wellness category as the first black woman-owned PET/CT scan facility
- Rotondwa Musitha's Trash Converters took the transport and logistics award for its innovative waste management solutions
- In manufacturing, Lebogang Moloto's The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicals stood out for its eco-friendly products
- Molatelo Bossman's Bolobathaba Media Group won in education and training
- Malema Dorothy Moyo's Twothy Business Solutions claimed the mining award for its engineering and skills training services.
Sydney Hlatshwayo, head of coverage (Limpopo) at business and commercial banking, Standard Bank South Africa, said: "We are committed to supporting enterprises with the tools and opportunities they need as they start, manage and grow their operations, supporting them to thrive and make a lasting impact in the communities that they serve."
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