Township Entrepreneur Awards finalists announced
South Africa we need many entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs create and bring to life new technologies, products and services, building new markets and jobs along the way.
Like any economy aiming to move ahead, in South Africa we need many entrepreneurs.
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development recently announced the short-listed candidates for the Township Entrepreneur Awards.
The awards are an initiative by the Department to celebrate entrepreneurial talent in the townships, while supporting the province’s commitment to revitalising the township economy. Individuals, cooperatives and businesses operating in the township will be recognised across 14 categories at a ceremony in February 2016.
Lebohang Selepe, who owns one of the small businesses making a difference through the REDISA Plan, has been selected as a finalist in the Transport, Automotive and Components category. Each finalist will be awarded R100 000 to further their business efforts.
“Being selected as a finalist for the Township Entrepreneurship Awards is a great achievement for me. Without the support and experience provided by REDISA, I would not have been confident to enter the competition. I am grateful for the opportunity and support that REDISA gave me when my business was still in its infancy stage, and the guidance they have given me as I continue to grow the business,” said Selepe.
Selepe has been working hard to establish a flourishing business. He plucked up the courage to establish his own business in 2012 after spending many years assisting other small businesses with their paperwork and development.
“When I registered my transport business with REDISA, I was not sure how things would work out, but I was fascinated by the Plan, especially the focus on developing small businesses and creating jobs, while cleaning up the environment,” Selepe added.
REDISA supports small business development and drives the local tyre recycling industry through infrastructure investment, business support and research on new applications for waste tyres. REDISA has put 80 percent of its revenue into supporting the circular economy, through investment back into industry and creating a market for the handling of waste tyres. This resulted in over 3 000 jobs and 200 small businesses being developed by the end of September 2015.
Selepe said he has future plans to expand his business by buying more office equipment and trucks, and possibly getting involved with the recycling process. Currently the company employs 10 individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who drive the trucks and assist with the collection of the waste tyres.
As Selepe’s business grows, his goal is to continue learning, and to develop his skills around tyre recycling. He also wants to educate others about the importance of a clean environment.
