MANZINI – Some of the Manzini Regional Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) Competition winners have set their sights on trading regionally and globally.
The Manzini Outstanding Techno Savvy company and overall region’s best entrepreneur, FreightLux, was awarded on Friday at an event held at The George Hotel. This parcel courier company specialises in couring, shipment, warehousing, air freight, and goods in transit insurance. FreightLux Director Sicelo Dlamini (45) said the company was founded in 2021. “We specialise in international freight forwarding between Eswatini, the US, China, and Europe. Freight Lux is to become a regional leader in the BLSE (Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini) market. Our solid commitment to reliability, efficiency, and exceptional service has positioned us as a top courier service in the country,” he said.
The company has grown rapidly to employ 19 dedicated staff members across three strategic locations: Matsapha, Oshoek, and Johannesburg. Meanwhile, Regional Outstanding Agribusiness Eswatini Coffee also has an export outlook as it exports its coffee to various countries.
“Our involvement with EYA has been instrumental in boosting our visibility, generating free marketing opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of logistics professionals,” he says.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Khethiwe Mhlanga, said 56 entries came from the region, which shows a lot of competition.
Various sponsors and partners, such as FNB, Fincorp, and Taiwan ICDF, also shared solutions for entrepreneurs with the audience.
Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo expressed his sincere appreciation to the MSMEs for their participation and encouraged them to keep growing.
“I encourage our entrepreneurs to collaborate and form cooperatives to strengthen their collective bargaining power and enhance their capacity to meet large orders,” he said.
The event is also supported by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) and Infinity Links.
FNB’S HELPS MAKE LOANS EASIER
FNB is making it easier for entrepreneurs to access loans by eliminating the need to submit documents for the application. Chantelle Littler, FNB Head of Commercial Banking and Investments, shared this good news. “Through Scored Lending, access to credit can be done without sending any documents. If you have been with FNB for six months or more, we can assess you for your request for a loan or overdraft using our documents,” she said.
She said FNB was keen on providing ‘Help that works for entrepreneurs’ and would even broaden that to vehicle and asset finance.
Meet Manzini the winners
Patrick Du Pont (49)
Outstanding Agribusiness
Eswatini Coffee
Coffee farming and production
We were established in 2018 and have 15 permanent staff members, with 21 seasonal workers. We also engage out growers. The business came about after we sought to be involved in an exportable product. We are grateful to be a part of EYA. SEDCO has greatly empowered MSMEs. We have been graded to qualify to export to Europe and have also been a part of global expos where our product was appreciated. Our vision is to contribute to food security and produce quality products.
Mumsy Maseko (43)
Outstanding Woman-owned business
Sigcwaliso Investments
Main Speciality: cleaning chemicals, protective clothing, stationery, etc.
“Established in 2013, our business faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing us to rebuild from the ground up in 2022. Since then, we’ve experienced steady growth but encountered hurdles in the competitive tendering process against larger corporations. Currently, our team consists of two dedicated employees
Joining EYA presents an opportunity to secure funding and expand our visibility beyond local markets. Our vision is to foster growth and create employment opportunities within Eswatini.”
Marwick Gama (29)
Regional Outstanding Green Business
Thomas M Greens Investments
Main Speciality: Grow seedlings and supply to agriculture industries such as Khuba Traders
“Coming from an agricultural background, entrepreneurship was always a goal. My dream of owning my own business was realised in 2016 with the support of Kick-Start funding. Today, I lead a team of eight dedicated employees driven by a passion for growth and learning.
Joining EYA has been instrumental in expanding our reach. I’ve benefited considerably from networking opportunities and exposure to potential sponsors. My vision is clear: to establish a thriving business by providing top-quality seedlings and attracting more customers.”
Tengetile Khabonina Mathunjwa (26)
Regional Outstanding Youth Owned
Tenina’s Clothing
Main Specialty: Textiles
“My entrepreneurial journey began in 2022 with a laundromat, which I used as a foundation to save for a textile business and, afterwards, a preschool.
Despite initial funding setbacks, I’ve built a thriving business employing three dedicated individuals. My goal is to create a lasting impact and contribute to the community.
Joining EYA offers a platform to share my story and inspire others to overcome adversity. I aim to expand my businesses, create job opportunities, and uplift those around me. I live by the motto, “By Father God’s Grace, I will forever multiply,” as a constant reminder of my blessings and aspirations.”
Dlalisile Matsebula (49)
Outstanding Handicraft
Buhle Bem-Africa
Handicraft products, including traditional attires
“I started in 1997 because I have always loved creating items using my hands, including beadwork. The business is good when we have tourists or when people have traditional events. What sets me apart is that I continuously evolve with my designs and patterns. I am creative, and that is my gift. My dream is to one day own a handicraft shop.”
Ncamsile Dlamini (43)
Outstanding Street Vendor
Nkosephayo Handicraft
Handcraft pieces and beadwork
“My business came about after I used to work at the market, and with the money I got paid, I would save it for one day starting my own. When I no longer worked there, I initially tried to work at the textile firms, but then I decided to tap into my talent and use some of the savings to start my own. I do not have an employee, but I am training my son and daughter to know how the business is run so they can start their own. My vision is to teach more people about handicrafts so they can make a living off their hands.”
Ntsandvose Dlamini (31)
Regional Most Creative/Innovative Business
Co-creator Investments
Gifting and Corporate Branding
We started in 2021 after seeing a gap in the gifting and packaging space during the Covid-19 period. I have also expanded to add corporate branding. What sets us apart is that we think outside the box and ensure we co-create the final product with the client. We currently have two employees. Our vision is to offer swift delivery ‘as you wait’ service. The EYA experience is great because it brings our brand to new markets.