We're proud to celebrate the graduation of our diverse 2024 Thuthuka Nathi SMME cohort, delivered in partnership with Raizcorp!
Over the course of the programme, thirty passionate entrepreneurs from communities surrounding Eston and Noodsberg, gained valuable business management skills and showcased their growth through a series of presentations of their business plans to judges that included ISSA Corporate Affairs, Business Improvement and Procurement representatives as well as Raizcorp, a Supplier Development specialist that we have partnered with.
The ten-months journey included in classroom training and on site guidance to these entrepreneurs led to semi-finals held at Noodsberg Country Club and Eston.
Academy on the 7th and 8th of August respectively where finalists were chosen.
A total of ten finalists from the selected top eleven presented their business plans in exciting finals on Friday 15 August, where four outstanding entrepreneurs were awarded funding to accelerate the growth of their businesses.
Andiswa Sabelo, a vegetable farmer and owner of Andisumbuso (PTY)LTD took top honours followed by Mondli Shangase of Vuka Supply Marketing, with Welile Gumede achieving third place and Mbongeni Ngcobo of Khonzesibhene Farming coming in 4th.
We look forward to witnessing their continued success and impact in the SMME sector.
Some of the SMMEs together with Illovo staff and Raizcorp team