Local entrepreneurs take home big prizes
“We have identified that there are elements that wanted to derail this groundbreaking programme by falsifying their entries to benefit even though they did not qualify.
Kwatsaduza – Fifteen local entrepreneurs won prizes worth R2-million during the Festival of Ideas initiative held by the metro, in partnership with Gauteng Economic Propeller, on Wednesday.The prizes took the form of office equipment to help emerging entrepreneurs.
The Festival of Ideas is a programme where emerging entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of judges in agriculture, logistics, business services manufacturing, and information and communications technology (ICT).
The pitching session was held in June and 15 winners, three from each sector, were chosen.
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In his speech, MMC for Finance, Economic Development and ICT Clr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says we must support SMMEs to ensure they have a conducive environment and equipment for their businesses to prosper.
“We have identified that there are elements that wanted to derail this groundbreaking programme by falsifying their entries to benefit even though they did not qualify.
“We have disqualified them and we noted that they have resorted to speaking against this programme on social media,” he adds.
First prize went to Mduduzi Makhoba from Hamashe Trading in the logistics sector, who received equipment to the value of R100 000.
Thandi Nkosi from Teenten Enterprise received equipment valued at R60 000, while Abani Mgimeti from Hiteka Kitchen scooped the third prize and R40 000 worth of equipment.
Mgimeti, a 36-year-old mother of three, explained that she is promoting healthy eating among school learners through her business.
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“Our children are prone to eating unhealthy food such as fat cakes and other junk food on a daily basis.
“We must know that they were not born craving this stuff, but they were conditioned over time and this needs to change.
“The future is very healthy.
“There is no better time than now for us to start businesses that provide healthy food and living,” she adds.
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