With over 600 entries from entrepreneurs across the country, KwaZulu-Natal makes its mark in the 36th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards, boasting two of the 16 finalists, further solidifying the province’s reputation as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial hotspots.
Ready for the challenge, these business leaders will now represent their companies and province in the quest for top entrepreneurial honours.
Competing in the Emerging Entrepreneur category, celebrating those in business for one to five years, is Dr Khangelani Wilmoth Sibiya, the visionary behind KWV Education. What started in 2009 as a small tutoring initiative has exploded into a network of tutoring centres across the country, online courses, and quarterly camps. Now, after years of boosting math and science results for thousands of learners, Dr Sibiya has his sights set on building a school of excellence.
In the Medium Business Entrepreneur category, recognising entrepreneurs leading businesses with an annual turnover of more than R30 million, is Muhammad Afzal CEO of Univission. He took his Pinetown-based business from a granny flat startup to an industrial powerhouse, supplying the construction and agriculture industries with PVC and plastic products. With six factories now in operation, Univission’s rise stems from its ability to tailor solutions to market demands, innovate continuously, and achieve substantial growth while making a positive community impact.
“With their remarkable achievements, Dr Sibiya and Mr Afzal remind us that entrepreneurship is not just about winning awards; it’s about making a lasting impact in our communities and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited.
On Thursday, 7 November 2024, the winners in each category—including the coveted Job Creator of the Year—will be unveiled at an awards ceremony in Gauteng. One standout business owner will also claim the title of South Africa’s overall Entrepreneur of the Year®.