Ncamisile Maphumulo, owner of Coastal Nephrology Centre, a kidney dialysis treatment centre in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal, has been awarded the Judges Prize at the annual Sanlam /Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® award ceremony, held in Johannesburg this morning.

The Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® Judges Prize, an additional award introduced to the competition last year, was awarded to Maphumulo due to the social impact that her business is making in the community.

The centre was started by Maphumulo when the health company she was working for in the area closed down their dialysis centre, leaving sick patients stranded. Maphumulo decided to start her own business to help the patients who needed to travel hours to receive the necessary treatment, and now provides much needed healthcare solutions in deep rural areas where treatment is not easily accessible.

Feroze Oaten, a member of the 2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® judging panel, says that the decision was taken by the judges to award Maphumulo the prize due to the vast difference she is making, as well the entrepreneurial drive that she possess. “She recognised the desperate need in the community and used her competence to render a much needed service.”

Coastal Nephrology Centre offers kidney dialysis treatment services to the population of Ulundi within the Zululand District, a rapidly developing municipality that services a thriving rural community. The business has subsequently branched out, and started a renal unit in Nongoma which began offering treatment in August 2014, Mahlabathini, Melmoth and surrounds.

The centre also offers an education programme which involves a management programme for patients with end stage kidney disease, family history of kidney disease, compromised kidney function, hypertension and diabetes.

Maphumulo says that being recognised by the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition means the world to her as it shows that the judges believe in her business and the hard work she has put into it thus far. “Entrepreneurship is all about risk taking and building something from nothing. Entrepreneurs should be celebrated and recognised as they all play a vital role in growing the South African economy and creating jobs.”

For more information please visit www.coastalnephrologycentre.co.za