Tag: Judges Prize

Local container conversion company recognised by special entrepreneurial prize

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Beverley Gumbi, the founder and owner of Isivuno Container Business (“Isivuno”) – a container conversion, rental and supply company, based in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal – has been awarded the Judges’ Prize at the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS awards ceremony, held in Johannesburg this morning.

The Judges’ Prize is an additional award that was introduced to the 30-year-old competition in 2014 to recognise businesses that may not yet be at the same level – in terms of size and turnover – of the competition winners, but make a special impression on the judges due to their business’s social impact and future prospects and the entrepreneur’s attitude and positive entrepreneurial outlook.

“Beverley’s energy is just contagious and, while she is a female with no engineering experience or technical training, she is tackling a traditionally male-dominated industry and making a success of it!” said this year’s competition judges.

Established in 2005 to offer a creative solution to the dire shortage of infrastructure and service delivery in both urban and rural communities in South Africa, Isivuno’s refurbished containers can be erected within a short space of time, are mobile and very versatile.

With a mission to serve both the private and public sectors’ needs, Gumbi says she is driven by the prospect of bettering the community, country, and ultimately even the continent. “I want to contribute to local economic growth and socially sustainable development through the manufacture, design and supply of ‘fit for a purpose’ converted shipping containers and park homes for communities and SMMEs at extremely competitive rates.

“Having focussed mainly on the conversion of ordinary shipping containers into business and dwelling units, we are well on our way to becoming the local enterprise development partner of choice. However, our sights are set higher than this, and we hope to one day penetrate other African markets by forming strategic partnerships with formidable companies across the continent.”

The business has already shown tremendous growth from its early days where the majority of the equipment was rented, to now where it owns all of its equipment and tools. When asked what she is most proud of, Gumbi says that her greatest pride comes from seeing the innovative solutions that Isivuno has been responsible for creating over time.

“In addressing the various challenges that our clients present us with, we have created a number of truly innovative products. These include a waterless ablution facility to address ablution challenges in rural and underdeveloped areas, the popular waterborne or waterless shower/toilet combo, and doctor’s consulting rooms to encourage people to get tested and know their HIV status.

“We have even converted a shipping container into a cinema before – the possibilities are truly endless,” she adds.

It is this innovative nature and contagious sense of determination that has made Beverley a deserving winner at this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. For more information on her business, please visit the Isivuno Container Business website: isivunocontainers.co.za.

Photos: 2015 EOY winners

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Category winners

Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year®: Kim Whitaker, Once in Cape Town

Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year®: Bryan Anderson, Delta Steam Systems

Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year®: Nadir Khamissa, The Hello Group

Job Creator of the Year: Lewis Thomas, Partners Hair Design

Innovator of the Year: Nadir Khamissa, The Hello Group

Judges Prize: Ncamisile Maphumulo, Coastal Nephrology Centre

 

Overall winner

Entrepreneur of the Year® 2015: Gil Oved and Ran Neu-Ner, The Creative Counsel

KZN nephrology centre awarded top entrepreneurial Judges Prize

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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

2015 competition now open for entries

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Now in its 27th year, the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition – the premier entrepreneurial platform in South Africa – continues to pay tribute to the fearless entrepreneurs who remain dedicated to not only fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the country, but also to their business and staff.

South African entrepreneurs rarely receive the acknowledgement they truly deserve, and should be praised for the role they play in the creation of jobs and economic development in the country. Our competition aims to do precisely this – recognise, profile, celebrate and reward entrepreneurs making a difference in the economy, as well as foster a culture of entrepreneurship by inspiring following entrepreneurs to take their business to new heights. By doing this we can encourage others to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

The World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2015 report, recently released by the International Labour Organization, revealed that South Africa will have the 8th highest unemployment rate globally in 2015. The six 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year® winners collectively created over 400 jobs, while our overall 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year® winner – Tommy Makhatho, owner of BiBi Cash & Carry – generated over 800 jobs in a rural area of Qwaqwa. These figures confirm the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in job creation, as well as the more prominent role they could play in this space with additional support.

We therefore once again call on local entrepreneurs to submit their entries and reap the many benefits that the competition offers.

The competition will not only provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and elevate the business’s profile, but also the chance to win prizes up to the value of R 2 million, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350 000. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support which enables them to take their business to new levels, as well as networking opportunities with likeminded entrepreneurs.

Apart from the prizes offered, a key takeaway for past finalists is the opportunity to take a step back and analyse their business, both by themselves, and along with an independent judging panel. We often find that entrepreneurs don’t fully comprehend how far their business has developed and grown over the years, and the networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and judges allow these individuals to fully appreciate their achievement and the hard work and dedication that has gone into building their business.

The competition also provides finalists and winners with the opportunity to obtain valuable regional and national publicity and exposure, which should not be underestimated as it has the potential to attract new customers, as well as increase a business’ reputation amongst existing clients.

One such example is Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, and winners of the Judges Prize in the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. “The exposure gained from the competition has raised the profile of my company significantly. I have noted a marked increase in business enquiries received from customers, as well as prospective investors wanting to open a franchise,” says Dudu Mofokeng

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can enter online here. The closing date for the competition is 16 June 2015.

Good luck to all 2015 entrants – we look forward to hearing your entrepreneurial success stories!

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition open for entries

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2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launches

South African entrepreneurs rarely receive the acknowledgement they truly deserve, and should be praised for the role they play in the creation of jobs and economic development in the country. This is according to Nazeem Martin, managing director of Business Partners Limited, who was speaking in light of the 2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launch which took place in Durban today.

Now in its 27th year, the pre-eminent entrepreneurial platform continues to pay tribute to the fearless entrepreneurs who remain dedicated to not only fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the country, but also to their business and staff.

Martin says that considering South Africa’s unemployment rate is at 25% and that it was recently announced that South Africa will have the 8th highest unemployment rate* globally in 2015, the role that entrepreneurs play in aiding job creation is evident. “The six 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition winners collectively created over 400 jobs, while our overall 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year® winner generated over 800 jobs in the rural area of Qwaqwa. These figures confirm the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in job creation, as well as the more prominent role they could play in this space with additional support.

“By embracing local entrepreneurship, the competition provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and elevate the business’s profile.”

The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes up to the value of R 2 million, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350 000. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Martin says that apart from the prizes offered, a key takeaway for past finalists is the opportunity to take a step back and analyse their business, both by themselves, and along with an independent judging panel. “Often, entrepreneurs don’t fully comprehend how far their business has developed and grown over the years, and the networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and judges allow these individuals to fully appreciate their achievements and the hard work and dedication that has gone into building their business.”

The competition also provides finalists and winners with the opportunity to obtain valuable regional and national publicity. “This exposure should not be underestimated as it has the potential to attract new customers, as well as increase a business’ reputation amongst existing clients.”

One such example is Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, and winners of the Judges Prize in the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. “The exposure gained from the competition has raised the profile of my company significantly. I have noted a marked increase in business enquiries received from customers, as well as prospective investors wanting to open a franchise,” says Dudu Mofokeng

Keynote speaker at the launch, Margaret Hirsch of national appliance store Hirsch’s, and the holder of the 2013 EOY Lifetime Achievement Award, encouraged entrepreneurs in the audience to enter the competition and explained how the award has elevated the success of her business. “It has given both myself and the business far more credibility and opened more doors than we ever dreamed of,” says Hirsch.

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can download entry forms online at www.eoy.co.za as well as interact with fellow entrepreneurs and entrants on the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 16 June 2015.

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition open for entries

Posted on by Webmaster

2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launches

South African entrepreneurs rarely receive the acknowledgement they truly deserve, and should be praised for the role they play in the creation of jobs and economic development in the country. This is according to Nazeem Martin, managing director of Business Partners Limited, who was speaking in light of the 2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launch which took place in Cape Town today.

Now in its 27th year, the pre-eminent entrepreneurial platform continues to pay tribute to the fearless entrepreneurs who remain dedicated to not only fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the country, but also to their business and staff.

Martin says that considering South Africa’s unemployment rate is at 25% and that it was recently announced that South Africa will have the 8th highest unemployment rate* globally in 2015, the role that entrepreneurs play in aiding job creation is evident. “The six 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition winners collectively created over 400 jobs, while our overall 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year® winner generated over 800 jobs in the rural area of Qwaqwa. These figures confirm the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in job creation, as well as the more prominent role they could play in this space with additional support.

“By embracing local entrepreneurship, the competition provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and elevate the business’s profile.”

The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes up to the value of R 2 million, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350 000. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Martin says that apart from the prizes offered, a key takeaway for past finalists is the opportunity to take a step back and analyse their business, both by themselves, and along with an independent judging panel. “Often, entrepreneurs don’t fully comprehend how far their business has developed and grown over the years, and the networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and judges allow these individuals to fully appreciate their achievements and the hard work and dedication that has gone into building their business.”

The competition also provides finalists and winners with the opportunity to obtain valuable regional and national publicity. “This exposure should not be underestimated as it has the potential to attract new customers, as well as increase a business’ reputation amongst existing clients.”

One such example is Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, and winners of the Judges Prize in the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. “The exposure gained from the competition has raised the profile of my company significantly. I have noted a marked increase in business enquiries received from customers, as well as prospective investors wanting to open a franchise,” says Dudu Mofokeng

Keynote speaker at the event, Theresa Cupido, owner of the ATN Group (Pty) Ltd and winner of the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year’s Job Creator of the Year® award, says entrepreneurs should seek to engage and surround themselves with successful business owners, and continue to conduct business research. “By learning more, you will empower yourself to become a leader in your industry,” says Cupido.

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can download entry forms online at www.eoy.co.za as well as interact with fellow entrepreneurs and entrants on the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 16 June 2015.

SA’s premier entrepreneurial competition open for entries

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2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launches

South African entrepreneurs rarely receive the acknowledgement they truly deserve, and should be praised for the role they play in the creation of jobs and economic development in the country. This is according to Nazeem Martin, managing director of Business Partners Limited, who was speaking in light of the 2015 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition launch which took place in Johannesburg today.

Now in its 27th year, the pre-eminent entrepreneurial platform continues to pay tribute to the fearless entrepreneurs who remain dedicated to not only fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the country, but also to their business and staff.

Martin says that considering South Africa’s unemployment rate is at 25% and that it was recently announced that South Africa will have the 8th highest unemployment rate* globally in 2015, the role that entrepreneurs play in aiding job creation is evident. “The six 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition winners collectively created over 400 jobs, while our overall 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year® winner generated over 800 jobs in the rural area of Qwaqwa. These figures confirm the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in job creation, as well as the more prominent role they could play in this space with additional support.

“By embracing local entrepreneurship, the competition provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and elevate the business’s profile.”

The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes up to the value of R 2 million, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350 000. Competition winners will also receive valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

Martin says that apart from the prizes offered, a key takeaway for past finalists is the opportunity to take a step back and analyse their business, both by themselves, and along with an independent judging panel. “Often, entrepreneurs don’t fully comprehend how far their business has developed and grown over the years, and the networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and judges allow these individuals to fully appreciate their achievements and the hard work and dedication that has gone into building their business.”

The competition also provides finalists and winners with the opportunity to obtain valuable regional and national publicity. “This exposure should not be underestimated as it has the potential to attract new customers, as well as increase a business’ reputation amongst existing clients.”

One such example is Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, and winners of the Judges Prize in the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. “The exposure gained from the competition has raised the profile of my company significantly. I have noted a marked increase in business enquiries received from customers, as well as prospective investors wanting to open a franchise,” says Dudu Mofokeng

Keynote speaker at the event, Farah Fortune, Director of African Star Communications & Event Management, who received the 2014 Women in Leadership award from the Women’s World Congress, says that awards, such as the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® platform, are essential not just for the recognition of South Africa’s entrepreneurs, but also to the boost of morale within their industry. “As an entrepreneur who understands the struggles that come with running your own business, I feel it is important to show people that struggling doesn’t necessarily mean failure, instead it teaches entrepreneurs valuable lessons, and creates a platform to grow from,” say Fortune.

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can download entry forms online at www.eoy.co.za as well as interact with fellow entrepreneurs and entrants on the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition social media platforms www.twitter.com/@EOY_SA and www.facebook.com/EOY.SA. The closing date for the competition is 16 June 2015.

Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services awarded top entrepreneurial Judges Prize

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Dudu-and-Leema-Mofokeng---Legaci-Superior-Dry-Cleaning-and-Laundry-Services---12

Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, were awarded the Judges Prize at the annual Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, which was held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 3 September 2014.

The Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® Judges Prize – an additional award introduced to the competition this year – was awarded to Dudu and Leema Mofokeng to celebrate the remarkable progress the business has achieved in the short period, having only established the company in 2008.

Kobus Engelbrecht, a member of the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® judging panel says that there wasn’t originally a Judges Prize category, but that the decision was taken by the judges to create the category and award the prize due to the impact Dudu Mofokeng made on the judges with her passion and energy for both her business and entrepreneurship qualities.

Prior to starting her own business, Dudu worked in the corporate world, but always believed that her talents could be better utilised. Having grown tired of the corporate environment, Dudu resigned and armed with her entrepreneurial spirit and a BCom Degree, decided to set her sights on something bigger. While volunteering at an AIDS orphanage she saw an opportunity to manage her own laundry outlet under the trade name ‘Pressed in Time’. With the help of her mother, a domestic worker for many years, Dudu went about building her laundry business. Today, with branches across Pretoria and a head office in Silver Lakes, the company currently has three retail outlets and an industrial plant specialising in high-end dry cleaning services in the region.

“Dudu made a courageous move resigning from her job to become an entrepreneur. Given the low barrier to entry of her line of business, she entered a very competitive industry, but has managed to grow her business organically and has created jobs in the process. She differentiates her business by introducing innovative and specialised solutions to the market,” says Engelbrecht.

Dudu says that this recognition is an affirmation to all the efforts, hardships and hard work that she has put into the business to grow it to the level that it is today. “This is a conscious and moral compass to me that will constantly be a reminder that more is expected of me.”

She says that her future goals for the business include expanding her network by opening retail outlets in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. She also aims to open the first dry-cleaning school in South Africa to train individuals to provide a skilled service in the industry.

For more information on Legaci Laundry and Dry Cleaner Services, please visit www.legaci.co.za