‘Busy Corner’ in top 5 2015 SMME Awards
Founded in 1997 by Ms Rita Zwane, the concept of commercialised Shisanyama was born on a dusty street corner in Ivory Park and has subsequently become one of the fastest growing sectors within the South African food, beverage and hospitality industry.
Tembisa’s Imbizo Shisanyama Busy Corner has been selected as one of the top 5 finalists in the 2015 South African Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) Awards.
According to Africagrowth, this local business is considered one of SA’s top performing SMMEs.
The restaurant has earned an enviable reputation over the past 17 years and has become almost legendary for its patrons from across Africa.
It is known for its authentic African experience and as the “true face of Shisanyama”.
Founded in 1997 by Ms Rita Zwane, the concept of commercialised Shisanyama was born on a dusty street corner in Ivory Park.
It has subsequently become one of the fastest growing sectors within the South African food, beverage and hospitality industry.
This exponential growth of the sector has seen the commercialisation of the famous African dish, iPapa being recognised as an official African food cuisine.
“After nearly two decades of hard work, patience, dedication and sacrifice it is no surprise to see Imbizo Shisanyama Busy Corner being recognised as one of the finalists of Africa’s top performing small to medium businesses,” said Ms Zwane, the founder of Imbizo Shisanyama Busy Corner.
In 2013, Imbizo Shisanyama scooped the NSBC Small Business Champion Award.
In February this year Ms Zwane was also acknowledged by the Department of Social Development when she received the Gauteng Gift of the Givers Award.
This was in recognition of her dedication and commitment to her community which was clearly evident in 2012 when she launched the Imbizo Shisanyama Bursary programme.
The bursary programme will soon see one of its beneficiaries graduating from a three-year diploma in food, beverage and hospitality management.
When asked on the importance of the small business sector in South Africa, Ms Zwane said the immediate impact of small businesses is first felt directly by its immediate community.
“These businesses are the essential catalyst which, when ignited in a sustainable manner, addresses the issue of unemployment throughout the entire value chain.
“As these small businesses thrive, more employment and sales opportunities are created in the larger companies that form part of the value chain.
“Fostering a climate that stimulates the growth and development of small businesses is not a luxury, but rather an economic imperative required to maintain a healthy and growing South African GDP,” she said.
“If small businesses are the economy’s growth engine, then the need for effective and efficient public private partnerships is the much needed antidote. Together we will start to build a better tomorrow, today and leave our younger generations a legacy they can be proud of,” said Ms Zwane.
