SITEKI – The Lubombo Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Competition winner, Du Pont Security, plays a significant role in job creation as the company employs 245 workers.
The EYA Regionals drew to a close on 29th July 2024 at the Siteki Hotel, where six entrepreneurs from the Lubombo region were awarded in different categories. Finalists from all four regions now look forward to the national awards to be held next weekend, where they stand a chance to walk away with a Toyota GD6 valued at over E600 000, courtesy of FNB Eswatini.
The Lubombo region will be represented by 30-year-old Paul Du Pont of Du Pont Security Services. The company was established in 2021, and the director expressed confidence that he would return to the region with the grand prize. Du Pont also won Best Youth-Owned Enterprise.
“The market has many security companies, but most of my clients need high-quality services and personalised attention, which is exactly what I offer,” he says.
Headline sponsors FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation have significantly increased their contribution to E1.6 million, up from E1.5 million last year. This boost reflects their ongoing commitment to celebrating and supporting entrepreneurial excellence in Eswatini.
SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga thanked current and past sponsors for their vital support of the awards. Mhlanga underscored the competition’s role in promoting and recognising outstanding entrepreneurial achievements within the country.
Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Manqoba Khumalo highlighted the need to shift the national mindset from seeking employment to creating job opportunities. He urged Emaswati to envision the Kingdom as a potential production hub capable of global exports. With a relatively small population, he suggested that exporting goods manufactured in Eswatini could become a highly lucrative endeavour.
The EYA is also supported by Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), Infinity Links, Fincorp, Old Mutual and Taiwan ICDF.
WINNERS SPEAK
Cabangile Matsebula (31)
LaMkholo’s Fruits and Veggies
Winner – Outstanding Green Business
Specialising in Fruit and Vegetables
“I was born with green fingers. Growing vegetables and caring for them until they are ready for harvest is part of my DNA. I started doing this from a very young age and was inspired by my mother, who raised us using proceeds from the work of her hands. I started by running a small vegetable stall and then had to find a bigger space as the demand for my supplies grew. I organically grow all my vegetables and then buy fruits from credible suppliers. People from Siteki and surrounding areas come to me for their daily household needs, and I also have bulk buyers who run catering companies while others buy to resell. I work with another person, and we do everything from growing vegetables to selling them. I am excited to have won and look forward to sharing business nuggets with others in the same space.”
Sandile Nkomo (36)
Siteki Pre-Cast
Winner – Most Creative Business
Specialising in all types of precast building materials
“Doing what I do daily requires a high standard of innovation. We use cement and other materials to make house pillars, washing troughs, pavers, concrete poles, and other essentials, including toilets. This business started in 2015, and I was just an employee who later became a supervisor. In 2022, I bought the business from its previous owner since I knew what to expect, and since then, it has been one learning curve after another, but I have no regrets about my decision. I work with a team of three people, and we do everything ourselves – from mixing concrete to marketing and promoting the business. I look forward to growing the business by acquiring land to reduce rental costs.”
Thembi Dlamini (34)
MBT Farmers Feed
Winner – Agri-Business Category
Specialising in animal feed and fertilisers
“I started this business at the end of 2021 after realising there was a gap for these services in my area. People would travel from Mbhadlane to Manzini to buy animal feed, fertilisers and injections, and as someone who was selling chickens at the time, I noted that the demand was high, so I started buying these products in bulk and supplying my customers with additional services. This was my business’s boost, and I have not looked back since then. I package my products from 2.5kg up to 50 kg to cater to the demands of different customers. I will use my winnings from this competition to fence my plot and then start saving towards my structure. .”
Sigcinekile Nxumalo (27)
Black Express Kitchen
Winner – Street Vendor Category
Specialising in wholesome street food
“After realising that there was no variety in fast food for people from Siteki and surrounding communities, I started operating a mobile kitchen in 2020. My speciality is ikota (bread with different fillings and sauces), which is very popular in South Africa. We also offer a range of other meals. We were forced to close at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. I reopened the business in January 2024, and we have been swamped since we focus not only on the mobile kitchen but also offer catering services throughout the country. I am the queen of pots and offer services for all events, including weddings, parties and funerals. I work with my younger sister daily, but we always hire temporary staff for big events. I am happy about the business’s growth despite the challenges I face from time to time.”
Gugu Treasure Dlamini (60)
Zuko Suppliers
Winner – Woman-owned Business
Specialising in school uniforms
“I started sewing and supplying school uniforms after I lost my job in 2015. I knew I couldn’t fold my arms and wait for a miracle, so I had to think quickly of a solution to my financial problems. I went from school to school, showing them samples of my work, and it was well received. I started getting orders, and the business grew. I work with a team of 3 ladies and do the designs and marketing while they focus on sewing. I am hopeful that someday we will be able to source all our materials locally as we currently have to travel to South Africa for supplies, which is expensive. I also hope to own an embroidery machine someday, so I do not have to outsource this service.”