A honey business helping 40 women develop beekeeping skills has scooped top honours at this year’s iLembe Entrepreneur competition.

Ballito’s Mbali Ngcobo, founder of Royal Honey, emerged as the winner at the 16th edition of competition, hosted by the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism at the CMH Ballito Showroom last Friday.

The annual programme attracted more than 50 applications, with a record 21 finalists competing for the title.

Before the awards ceremony, finalists showcased their businesses at a public exhibition, with ventures ranging from agriculture and security to wellness products and fashion design. Each entrepreneur also delivered a two-minute elevator pitch.

Ngcobo’s business produces honey for retail markets and supports farmers through training and mentorship.

Second place went to Nuevo Design Co, founded by Mandeni’s Sithabiso Mthembu.

The Isithebe-based company designs and manufactures affordable, modern furniture for homes, businesses and hospitality establishments, including wardrobes, cabinets, television units and custom pieces.

Third place was awarded to By Lelo, founded by KwaDukuza’s Nontsikelelo Sitshata. Combining her agricultural background with a passion for locally sourced ingredients, Sitshata produces handcrafted jams, syrups, teas, health shots and body-care products.

The top three entrepreneurs will share R80 000 in business development funding and advertising packages in The North Coast Courier, worth more than R100 000, bringing the combined benefit to more than R180 000.

The Entrepreneur is a DUT Business School-accredited short course, presented by the iLembe Chamber in partnership with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), King Shaka International Airport, Enterprise iLembe, The North Coast Courier, Siza
Water, AVON Peaking Power and ENGIE Peakers Operations. Ballito ISP is the digital partner.

iLembe Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said he was impressed by how much the 21 finalists had grown over the course of the
seven month programme, under the tutelage of local business mentors and industry leaders.

Enterprise iLembe chairperson Nkosenhle Mngadi praised the entrepreneurs’ determination.

“Today is not merely about recognising winners, it is about celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience and the courage to pursue business opportunities despite many challenges facing small enterprises in the country.”

ACSA’s group manager for transformation Elelwani Tshikovhi encouraged participants to continue growing their businesses while
creating opportunities for others.

“Whether you have one employee or you are still running on your own, you are contributing to the economy of your environment. Always remember to take others when you go up.”

Speaking on behalf of the finalists, Ngcobo thanked the programme’s mentors for helping entrepreneurs develop their confidence and business skills.

“It’s been such a transformative journey, because of the impact it has had in our businesses. We have been able to broaden our perspectives; it has built our confidence to grow in our businesses.”