Provincial award for Port Shepstone-born tech entrepreneur

Muhle Ndwalane (27), a Port Shepstone-born entrepreneur, who leads Asante Solutions was announced as the second runner-up at the KZN Digital Transformation Summit in Durban recently.

Asante Solutions was recognised for digital innovation and for advancing accessible technology for SMMEs and intensifying its efforts to broaden technology access.

A digital transformation strategist, Ndwalane, said the achievement reflects both the growing demand for practical, affordable digital tools and Asante’s expanding role in supporting the province’s evolving technology ecosystem.

“Asante received recognition for its PowerCRM platform, which is designed to help SMMEs streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, track sales, automate routine tasks and improve service delivery. Developed with emerging enterprises in mind, the platform delivers functionality, typically reserved for larger organisations, but at a cost and level of complexity suited to smaller firms. By lowering barriers to digital adoption, the PowerCRM hopes to support value chain growth, enhance productivity and contribute to broader economic resilience.”

He explained that the competition drew a strong field of innovators showcasing tools designed to support economic development and Asante’s PowerCRM stood out for pairing advanced capability with practical and locally grounded solutions.

According to Ndwalane, this recognition reflects the growing need for accessible technologies that help small and medium enterprises enhance their competitiveness, expand their market reach and unlock new opportunities.

“The platform’s purpose aligns closely with KwaZulu-Natal’s digital transformation ambitions, as outlined by Premier Thami Ntuli at the summit’s opening. Ntuli emphasised that the province’s future lies in embracing secure, future-ready and trusted digital technologies. Ntuli noted that data has become a central driver of economic growth, shaping innovation, job creation and social progress. Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a developmental necessity that must be rooted in ethics, inclusion and accountability.”

Ndwalane added that although digital technology has already improved healthcare access, expanded learning opportunities and created new economic pathways, however, many communities remain disconnected. “High data costs, limited access to devices and gaps in digital literacy continue to restrict participation in the digital economy, particularly for rural and low-income areas.”

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