Nompumelelo Madubedube, Director at The San Hair, has been honoured with the Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year® award at the 36th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards. This accolade is bestowed upon entrepreneurs steering businesses generating over R30 million in revenue.
The demand for human hair products in South Africa has led to a heavy reliance on expensive imports. A weave-wearer herself, Madubedube spotted an opportunity to offer high-quality, locally produced alternatives to meet this growing need.
Leaving behind her accounting job, she invested in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant designed for high-quality human hair production and launched The San Hair. Eleven years later, the business is known for its wigs, weaves, and extensions, with a presence in 15 stores nationwide.
Understanding market trends and customer needs Madubedube expanded the company’s product range to include a natural ingredient-based weave care line stocked in Clicks stores across the country – a landmark achievement for South Africa’s beauty sector.
While building her own business, she also develops local talent by sponsoring styling courses designed to equip aspiring hairstylists with the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
“The San Hair’s success is a direct result of Nompumelelo’s commitment to quality and customer-focused innovation. Her leadership has not only propelled the business forward but also ensured that it positively impacts the community. Her influence on both the beauty industry and society makes her a deserving recipient of the Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year® award,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited.