Mayoral awards honour small businesses
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Zodwa Mzindle said the vision for The Next Billionaire was to recognise those who create opportunities for others, uplift those around them, and leave a legacy of social and economic empowerment.
Small local businesses are the engines of growth, job creation and economic development in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM).
This was the sentiment of the the mayor of RNM, Zodwa Mzindle, at the The Next Billionaire RNM Mayoral Awards held at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre last week.
Over 30 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were nominated during the awards.
Winners included the Masakhane Group, Escape Pearl Plants, Nsikelelo Ntobela, Mandisa Kheswa, Snothando Nkosi and others.
Mzindle said the vision for The Next Billionaire was to recognise those who create opportunities for others, uplift those around them, and leave a legacy of social and economic empowerment.
She said the concept was more than just a recognition of financial success.
She described it as a celebration of ambition, vision and pursuit of impact.
“As RNM, we are blessed with abundant natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a community vibrant with potential. However, it is our entrepreneurs who are truly shaping the future of our region. Within our municipality, we now have restaurants in rural areas. This is something we never dreamed would be possible. Growing up, we thought restaurants were only for people who could speak English, but now we can go to these areas and order food that our grandmothers cooked for us,” said Mzindle.
She added that they are grateful to the municipality’s Local Economic Development department and councillors for always willing to assist those seeking help.
Mzindle said small businesses are assisted through the support of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) and RNM.
“In the face of challenges, you have shown that success is not just a product of resources but of resilience, innovation and relentless commitment to progress. Our municipality is proud to provide you with the needed support to ensure the path to success is as smooth as possible. To all the nominees and winners, congratulations. Your achievements inspire us all, and your dedication to your craft and commitment to your communities are a beacon of hope and ambition for others. Your businesses help decrease our unemployment rate,” she said.
One of the winners, Phumzile Mgojo of the Masakhane Group, said she was thankful to RNM, Umlando Creatives, and the people who voted for her and her family.
“I want to thank my late father, Doctor Reverend Mgojo, who said to me, Phumzile, my child, you know that we both love our community; please continue showing love to our communities even when I am long gone. This is why receiving this award makes me emotional; I am grateful,” she said.
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