Out of over 600 entries from across the nation, nine of the 16 finalists in the 36^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards hail from Gauteng, the heartbeat of the South African economy.

These business leaders —representing both their companies and their province— will now compete for one of the country’s top entrepreneurial accolades.

In the Emerging Entrepreneur category, celebrating those in business for one to five years, Gauteng is represented by:

• Feziwe Mpaku, CEO of construction-related services supplier, IGBE Pty Ltd from Soweto
• Nyangani Tshabalala, Director of the Institute for Applied Sciences and Commerce (IFASCO) Academy, an education and training facilitator in Vanderbijlpark
• Trudy Maleka, Managing Director of patio furniture manufacturer Ambesha Africa in Fourways

Recognised in the Small Business Entrepreneur category, honouring individuals managing a business with an annual turnover of up to R30 million, are:

• Thamaga Hamlet Chaane, Director at Atlas Paints, a paint producer in Silvertondale, Pretoria
• Michael Sharman, Chief Creative Officer at Retroviral, a digital communications agency in Morningside
• Sheldon Tatchell, owner of Legends Barber, a professional grooming services franchisor founded in Eldorado Park

Finalists in the Medium Business Entrepreneur category, bestowed on an entrepreneur leading a business generating over R30 million in annual revenue, include:

• Nompumelelo Madubedube, Founder of The San Hair, a supplier and manufacturer of human hair products in Midrand
• Zibusisozethu Mkwanazi, Group CEO at M+N, a marketing, communications and advertising agency in Sandton
• Hulisani Mudau, Director at IPS, a supplier of processing equipment to the dairy and beverage industries from Bedfordview

“It’s inspiring to see such strong representation from Gauteng, my home province,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “These entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses but are also fuelling the province’s economic growth – further cementing its role as a powerhouse of the South African economy. Their success speaks volumes about Gauteng’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit.”

The City of Gold will host the awards ceremony on Thursday, 7 November 2024 where the winners in each category, along with the Job Creator of the Year, will be revealed. One lucky business owner will also be crowned South Africa’s overall Entrepreneur of the Year®.