Rita Zwane, a household name and founder of the Imbizo Shisanyama franchise in Ivory Park, has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Township Economy Awards for her role in creating employment and contributing to the township economy.

“It was an honour to be part of the Township Economy Awards, an official G20 StartUp20 side event. We celebrate recognition that the township economy is not a footnote, but a driving force. The world is no longer looking at us with pity; it is watching with interest, curiosity, and respect,” Zwane said.

For decades, township entrepreneurs built businesses without applause.

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Today, their achievements are gaining international attention, and the inclusion of this awards event in a global programme reflects the international relevance and potential of their work.

“People see Imbizo Shisanyama today, but very few know what it took to start. Before the brand became a success story, there was a woman fighting against fear, doubt, and limited resources.

“My journey was not built on comfort; it was built on courage. Like the ideas reflected in my book, Conquering the Poverty, I learned that poverty is not only economic, it is psychological.

“It is that voice that tells you, ‘Don’t dream too big.’ It is the doubt that says, ‘People like you don’t succeed.’ I had to silence that voice and believe in myself long before anyone else did,” she explained.

Zwane launched her business at a time when many believed a township restaurant would never attract professionals or tourists. She faced numerous rejections from banks but refused to reject herself.

“Every entrepreneur must carry a fighter spirit. We do not fight people; we fight circumstances, stereotypes, doubt, and fear. I fought for funding, recognition, and for my vision to be taken seriously.

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“Often, I fought just to keep the doors open. Your business grows as high as you grow. Strengthen yourself, your vision, and your courage. Become the fighter your dream demands.”

According to Zwane, most SMMEs operate in townships, which makes the economy dynamic, resilient, and deeply rooted in communities.

Township entrepreneurship not only ensures survival, but it creates jobs, uplifts families, and drives innovation.

Every township entrepreneur, whether starting fresh or continuing a family legacy, faces significant challenges.

“To our finalists and winners: you prove that excellence does not come from location, but from intention. Your businesses uplift communities, challenge stereotypes, and inspire a new generation.

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“But this day is not your arrival, it is your launchpad. Use this recognition to refine your systems, build strategic partnerships, scale your brand, and strengthen your legacy. You carry not just your dreams, but the dreams of those who will follow you,” she said.

In closing, Zwane encouraged others to embrace their origins and inner strengths.

“Remember, everything you need to succeed is already within you. Your resilience, creativity, and courage were shaped long before you opened your business.

“Believe in the value of where you come from, build with excellence, grow your entrepreneurial DNA, and keep fighting for your dream, because when you fight for it, your dream fights for you.

“The township economy is rising with confidence, pride, and power. This rise will echo far beyond our borders, proving that what begins in our communities can change the world,” said.