Shisanyama pioneer honoured with Township Economy 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Rita Zwane, founder and CEO of one of South Africa’s most iconic homegrown brands, has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Township Economy Awards (TEA) hosted by the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance.

Over the past few years, Zwane faced unbearable challenges and yet, fuelled by an unwavering spirit and determination, refused to fade into the background.
Her fierce resilience shone through as she triumphantly reopened the Imbizo Shisanyama, popularly known as Busy Corner, at the Mall of Thembisa on September 20 after closing it for just over a year due to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Known in the community as one of its matriarchs and leading lights, Zwane has been instrumental in the mentoring and development of countless young entrepreneurs in the township economy.

Her 2019 book, Conquering the Poverty of the Mind, was an open, vulnerable and authentic account of her journey to success.
Recently, Zwane, alongside other entrepreneurs, recently published Rising from the Township, which highlights the journeys of SA’s top 10 township entrepreneurs.

According to Zwane, every entrepreneur experiences many testing moments in their journey, irrespective of where they are, but those living in the rural and township economy experience more than double the normal challenges.

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“I received this award not only for me and my journey but also on behalf of the first generation of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa whose stories fade as time passes. They were the first to cultivate the township economy under difficult conditions in Thembisa, Gauteng and many others in different townships around the country. I am very humbled and honoured to have received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Township Economy Awards. The recognition of my journey as a township serial entrepreneur humbles me the most,” said Zwane.

Bulelani Balabala, founder of the Township Economy Alliance believes that ‘MaZwane,’ as she is affectionately known, is the epitome of authentic entrepreneurial success.

“She has openly and vulnerably shared her entrepreneurial journey, the highs and the lows, the joy and the pain. Her resilience, passion and determination are testament to her being a living blueprint and a true inspiration to young upcoming entrepreneurs in the township. She has built South Africa’s most iconic homegrown brand. The name Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama is known far and wide, not only in our country but all over the world. It’s a brand synonymous with quality meat and a premium experience,” said Balabala.

He said Zwane had built a deep and solid foundation for the younger generation to stand on her shoulders and reach for the stars.

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