Tumiso Patji received the award after having the most transactions in the country, proving that Tzaneen is not just a small town, but it is also a business hub.

“We have a number of thriving farms in our area that send their employees overseas for training and business trips.

Our local schools also have exchange programs which boosts our business.

“Furthermore, people in Tzaneen love travelling and many young people are studying abroad,” she explains.

Patji highlights that giving the best service to clients and hard work are key to her success.

“If you don’t put your clients first they won’t comeback to you, but if you give them the best service they will even recommend more people to you,” she added.

Patji says her success is motivating her to work even harder.

She was born and bred in Lenyenye township and is married to Lordwick Patji.

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The couple has a daughter, Mofenyi.

Patji says her husband’s support keeps her going.

“He is very supportive of my work.

Sometimes clients call late at night when they are abroad because of the different time zones, but he never complains. I’m grateful for his support.”

Her banking career started in 2006 Polokwane.

She was selected for a learnership from the Bank SETA.

After completing her learnership she worked for Absa in Polokwane as a teller.

Her talent was recognised and she went from strength to strength.

She acknowledges the support of her colleagues including her branch manager, Tommie Richards, Limpopo RIB management and the Absa Regional office at large.

“As a leader youe proudest moment is when one of your own employees performs well and Tumiso is one of our hardworking employees, we are extremely proud of her,” Richards said.