Masisizane salutes Gauteng SMMEs for decade of nation building

Partnership contributed meaningfully to job creation and poverty eradication

In living up to its name of partnering for a brighter tomorrow, Masisizane paid tribute to the Small, Micro and Medium Enterpri (SMMEs) that it supports in the Gauteng region. All have contributed meaningfully to job creation, economic growth, attracting investments, eradicating poverty and reducing inequality.

At the Fund’s provincial awards event held on the Thursday, 27 October 2016, Masisizane celebrated some of the outstanding achievements of the SMMEs that it ‘partners for a brighter tomorrow’ in Gauteng.

Zizipho Nyanga, CEO of the Masisizane Fund, said: “As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Masisizane Fund in 2017, we would like to capture the road the Fund has travelled and demonstrate the legacy it is creating as it continues to grow. We are also looking forward to a meaningful celebration in July 2017, following a decade of job creation, boosting economic growth and achieving other significant goals.”

The Masisizane Fund was established in July 2007 in consultation with the National Treasury of South Africa. 

The awards event celebrated SMMEs for excelling in the following categories:

• Best Female Owned Business Award – CTU Manufacturing Co-operative
• Best Youth Owned Business Award – The Coffee Stop, Rivonia
• Best Employer Award – CTU Manufacturing Co-operative
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award – GTL Food Manufacturing and Distribution (Pty) Ltd
• Business of the Year Award – CTU Manufacturing Co-operative

Nyanga added: “The awards event was abuzz with partners sharing how they see the Fund’s growth and relating their experiences working with the Fund. We are excited to say Masisizane is indeed living up to its name and partnering for a brighter tomorrow!”

Four more provincial events will be rolled out over the next couple of months to host  clients of the fund, local government, stakeholders and Old Mutual’s provincial management. 

About the Masisizane Fund:
The Masisizane Fund aims to eradicate poverty through job creation. It is an Old Mutual initiative that was established in 2007, following the closure of the Old Mutual Unclaimed Shares Trust. This non-profit company provides integrated loan financing and support to high-potential black-owned SMMEs. The Fund, which currently manages over R111 million in active loans, offers tailored, integrated and flexible financial and non-financial solutions including financial education, capacity development and mentoring support.  The partnerships we create add value and offer innovative enterprise models aimed at ensuring long-term enterprise growth, sustainability and development impact. For more information see: http://dogreatthings.co.za/masisizane/

1.     Business of the Year Award
CTU Manufacturing Co-operative has demonstrated good financial returns and growth in revenue, and displayed impressive profitability and future potential. “We are so excited about this award and it has validated our long hours and our complete dedication to our business plan. Masisizane has been a wonderful partner and we could not have done this without them. I would encourage all entrepreneurs out there to take a bold step and go for it!”

2.     Best Female Owned Business Award
CTU Manufacturing Co-operative has demonstrated remarkable financial returns and profitability. Nonhlanhla Mpachoe says, “Being an entrepreneur is an ongoing challenge, but we wouldn’t change it for anything. Our business is evidence that guts and determination do pay off. Today we enjoy good stakeholder relationships and strong financial rewards. Thanks to my team and to Masisizane, who made this award possible.”

3.     Best Youth Owned Business Award
The Coffee Stop, Rivonia demonstrated solid financial returns and Zane Mathebula says, “I /we are thrilled to receive this award.  Sometimes we think our youth puts us at a disadvantage, but mostly we see it as our competitive edge. We see things creatively and are readier to take risks than our older counterparts. Our growth in revenue keeps propelling us forward and we hope to achieve even more success with Masisizane as our partner.”

4.     Entrepreneur of the Year Award
GTL Food Manufacturing and Distribution (Pty) Ltd ticked all the boxes when it came to business intelligence and showed the kind of grit it takes to grow a business in a tough economy. His/her performance and revenue generation were excellent and we applaud his/her offer of non-financial support.

5.     Best Employer Award
CTU Manufacturing Co-operative took this award based on the number of jobs it was able to create, the training offered to employees, as well as the career progression of staff. Nonhlanhla Mpachoe said, “Scooping this award is very encouraging for our company. We support philosophies such as work/life balance and introduced a flexible schedule so that women with young children can work flexi-time. We believe it is ideals such as these that play a big role in our success.”