The past year tested the small business sector as they faced new challenges such as physical restrictions, multiple lockdowns and loss of revenue. But out of this crisis, one group of entrepreneurs emerged stronger.

Despite these challenging times, the 68 small businesses on the SABF Tholoana Enterprise Programme collectively recorded a 31% increase in turnover growth, created 169 new jobs and sustained 483 jobs. This was achieved during a time when the South African economy contracted by 8% and shed 2.2 million jobs.

These businesses were recognised for their achievements at a magical, blended graduation ceremony at the Radisson Blu OR Tambo on Thursday, May 20. The theme was “A Night Under The Stars.” And these entrepreneurs shone brightly!

The top prize, the Tholoana Award was given to Sabelo Lindani, the owner of Contour Enviro Group based in Somerset West, Western Cape, because he demonstrated commitment to driving his business forward, his exceptional growth performance (92%) and his potential for future growth.

“It’s been an amazing journey for me,” said Sabelo, “and the growth in my business has been wonderful. Entrepreneurship is exciting and scary at the same time. But the assistance and support we received on the programme helped us refocus. What helped me was having a mentor who would not let me give up even when I wanted to. We started on the programme with three employees at the beginning of the programme and now we have 55.”

The Gold Star Award was won by Thokozani Potgieter, the owner of Clearview SA, a professional window cleaning business in Newcastle for using all the elements of the programme to upskill himself and his business.

Mluleki Qwabe, owner of The Modern Man, a menswear brand based in Durban, walked away with the Media Champion Award for adapting effortlessly to new digital trends during COVID-19 and using social media to successfully grow his business.

Qhawekazi  Styles Collection designs African-inspired couture for men and women. Owner Samukeliswe Khanyile was took home the Entrepreneurial Award for diversifying her business during COVID-19, displaying resilience and courage as she overcame challenges and opening a new store in Pietermaritzburg during lockdown last year.

Klerksdorp businessman Nkosinathi Machine, owner of SADC Fuels, was one of the prize winners on the night. He won the Rocket Fuel Award because his business has shown the highest sustained business growth over the programme period.

“I am thrilled,” said Nkosinathi. “I enjoyed being on the Tholoana Programme and I learnt so much from my mentor, Ismail Kajee. It helped me improve the way I run my business, especially during lockdown.

“Lockdown was especially difficult because I am a wholesale petroleum supplier to SMEs, farmers and construction companies. I had to recalibrate my target market and focus on clients that operated within sectors that were the least affected by lockdown regulations, such as the food and transport industries.”

Nabilah Diedericks is the owner of Finz Aquatics & Fitness Development in Grassy Park, a swim school that specialises in disability therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and various special needs. She won The Dream Participant Award because she managed her business well and diligently adhered to all programme requirements and deadlines even though she was closed for eight months during lockdown.

Basil Williams, who owns Herbal View Hydroponics in Simondium won The Team Player Award because he brought an energetic flair and a supportive attitude to all his interactions in the programme and continues to encourage other entrepreneurs.

The Collaboration Award was won by Melun Jeptha from Ohana Environmental Consultants and Projects (Pty) Ltd because she used the power of collaboration to unlock new opportunities and explore unchartered territories.  Ohana, based in Hawston, works towards a healthy environment by protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

Even though the pandemic led to the closure of millions of businesses worldwide, it forced SMEs to become agile – something Sabelo and others in his cohort attest to. Business owners with fewer resources and less cash on hand had to find innovative ways to stay afloat: they focused on diversifying, cutting overheads, cash preservation, digital transformation and new strategies that added value for customers. 

The results achieved by businesses are encouraging: all 68 businesses more than just survived the pandemic, they experienced exceptional growth and created jobs in the process. There is hope that despite the economic chaos, South Africa is moving closer to its target to make the small business sector responsible for 90% of formal jobs by 2030.

Longevity is critical to meaningful economic impact and 86% of entrepreneurs on the programme said they believed that their business would survive the next five years alongside a 46% increase in the entrepreneurs’ confidence levels.

Director of the SAB Foundation, Bridgit Evans, said: “These entrepreneurs are crucial to the growth of our economy and developing them is essential to create jobs and uplift historically disadvantaged members of our society.

“We are amazed at the commitment made by our entrepreneurs to strive for success by pivoting their businesses during what has been the toughest period ever experienced for businesses in South Africa and across the globe as a result of the ongoing pandemic.”

“These results are proof that South Africa is filled with courageous individuals who with the right kind of support, from exemplary programmes such as the SABF Tholoana Programme, build the economy and create the jobs we desperately need,” said Catherine Wijnberg, CEO of Fetola, the implementing partner of the Tholoana Programme.