Game-changing hustlers honoured at kasi awards!

KASI entrepreneurs scoop top honours in style.

In a powerful tribute to township innovation, local entrepreneurs were honoured on Saturday, 23 November, at the celebrated Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) awards held at Living Waters Bible Church, Kopanong section in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.

The awards spotlight the vibrant township economy and celebrate those making a significant impact.

Khwezi Mthembu from Mpumalanga, founder of Definitive Brand Culture (Pty) Ltd, expressed his excitement upon winning the Entrepreneur with Disability Award.

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As a graphic designer, Khwezi has been at the forefront with his company in printing and branding since 2015.

"I hope this award will inspire people out there who are living with disabilities," he said.

Musa Mbatha, representing Protilagor Projects from Emdeni in Soweto, secured first place in the Construction Champion Award category.

Protilagor Projects, focusing on construction material testing laboratories, ensures quality compliance with Sars regulations.

Musa said: "I'm very excited. This is something I didn't expect."

From Tshwane, Lindelani Xhanti of Agrishelves Group celebrated his company's triumph in e-commerce, supplying food to restaurants and hospitals.

Lindelani's innovation has even attracted attention from Brazil.

"I'm so happy because the innovation that we bring has attracted to the Brazilian market for us to work with the Brazilian businesses," he said.

With accolades in diverse categories, the Township Economy Awards 2024 lauded those making significant contributions to local economies and societal growth.

Small Business Development Deputy Minister Rasetja Sithole said: "Your words become empty if they are not followed by action. Small business is forever, don't give up."

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the township economy is more than a sector within the region.

"Our townships are not merely residential areas, they are hubs of creativity and entrepreneurship," he said.