SAB | What’s happening in the SAB world

SAB’s Kickstart programme provides youth businesses with funding and mentoring with the aim of building them into thriving SMEs. Previous finalists of the programme benefited from mentorship and training as well as resources which allowed them to transform and grow their businesses.

In February this year SAB KickStart announced 18 finalists who would take part in the programme to compete for business grants, with the winners to be announced later in the year. Every finalist is in fact a winner, having undergone the entrepreneur development programme.

The finalists for this year are a diverse group of businesses ranging from catering, health and fitness, to waste management and networking solutions.

This week we profile five of this year’s eighteen finalists:

Ejimini Fitness Club, Empangeni

Employs over ten permanent staff.

Ejimini is owned and managed by Simphiwe Mazibuko, and aims to promote a healthy lifestyle across the community through education and empowerment promotions and campaigns. Simphiwe’s fitness and wellness centre has grown steadily and has collaborated with other medical professionals in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area in the provision of health conscious services.

Mzansi Telecoms and Projects, Eastern Cape

Mzansi Telecoms and Projects provides telecommunications solutions with the vision of reaching all of Southern Africa. Siphamandla Javu wanted to stay financially independent and this inspired him to start his own business venture. After only starting up in 2011, Siphamandla already has his eye on dominating the telecommunications service industry in the Eastern Cape.

Afronic Data, Durban

Employs three full-time staff members with a number of freelancers.

Sboniso Mtshali realised that he could make a much greater impact in the ICT industry by creating his own venture. Established in 2008, Afronic Data provides ICT management and networking solutions as well as IT hardware and software support to municipalities, small and medium businesses and the public.

Chilladiddo (Pty) Ltd, Gauteng

Employs three permanent staff members.

Chilladiddo, established in 2010 by Leeko Nkala, manufactures authentic chilli relishes and other uniquely South African products. With her extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, Leeko has been able to successfully break into the wet condiment market in Gauteng.

Tender Taste Trading, Durban

Employs eight part-time staff members.

Tender Taste Trading was established in 2009 by Sicelo Mzimela. Sicelo operated a catering company before identifying the opportunity to launch his own niche offering. He has managed to blend traditional youth culture with a taste of the South African business environment, to create a menu that is both unique and delicious.

Coming up

Keep an eye out for our next post. We will be profiling our finalists from the environmental and waste management sector.

Who of these finalists will win the top grants at the awards ceremony later this year? Keep an eye on our blog, or follow SAB KickStart on Twitter or Facebook for more.