Celebrating Excellence: SAMBA 2024 Honors South Africa’s Micro-Business Champions

In a dazzling celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, the South African Micro Business Awards (SAMBA 2024) took centre stage at the Airport Gardens Boutique Hotel in Boksburg on Friday evening, the 14th of June. Amidst a backdrop of entrepreneurial zeal and ambition, this year’s event not only honoured the resilience and creativity of micro-businesses across South Africa but also underscored their pivotal role in driving economic dynamism and community upliftment.

Organized by the IEDF (Informal Economy Development Forum), this prestigious event celebrated the resilience, creativity, innovation, and unwavering determination of micro-businesses shaping South Africa’s economic landscape. It also marked a significant partnership with the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W & R SETA).

“This year’s SAMBA is a testament to the tenacity and creativity of South Africa’s micro-entrepreneurs,” remarked Ms. Suzan Ntebo Mthembu, Chairperson of the IEDF National Working Committees, during her opening and welcome address. “These awards showcase how small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving growth and creating opportunities in every corner of our nation,” she added.

“A hearty congratulations to the nominees of the awards, these are the real heroes and heroines, breadwinners of our country. The W & R SETA celebrates these men and women, who don’t only wear their titles but are feeding, clothing, and schooling their families. Not only that, but they also serve their communities with different products that they offer,” said Mr. Sipho Shoba, COO for W & R SETA.

“Small businesses are a beacon of our economy. The evidence to that is the fact that as W & R SETA we have around 71,000 organisations of which 85% are small businesses operating within the Wholesale and Retail space. Surely you are key in driving the economy of the country,” Shoba concluded.

The evening commenced with the announcement of 30 winners, each recognized for their exceptional contributions across different aspects of business excellence. Amongst the standout awards were:

• SAMBA 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Presented to Mrs. Syndiah James of First Light Import and Export, whose exceptional dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment distinguished her as an outstanding participant in the program. Her visionary leadership and strategic acumen have propelled her business to new heights. Syndiah’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational, showcasing excellence in every area of the program and beyond. She has been a beacon of support and empowerment to her peers, whether it was offering a helping hand, sharing her insights, or providing encouragement.
• Informal Economy Legacy Award: Presented to Mrs. Lulama P. Mali, celebrating her as a beacon of entrepreneurship in the informal sector. Mama Lulama is a truly remarkable individual, a veteran with 29 years of dedicated service in the Informal Trader sector. Her journey is defined by her commitment to her community and the continuous development of the sector she loves. Mrs. Mali’s leadership is not just about business; it’s about building a better future for everyone around her. She envisions creating hubs that empower others, fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth within her community.
• Award for Excellence in Marketing: Presented to Lucretia Mayekiso of Lunama Trading, acknowledging and celebrating her demonstration of exceptional skill and innovation in the field of marketing, significantly enhancing their business’s brand identity and driving successful campaigns. Mayekiso has exemplified outstanding marketing acumen and creativity, setting herself apart as a leader in her field. Her ability to leverage modern marketing techniques, including social media and digital campaigns, has played a crucial role in the company’s success. One of her notable achievements is the SAMBA TikTok dance challenge.
• Rising Star Entrepreneur Award: Presented to Mbali Mbuyisa of Eden Empire, an exceptional young entrepreneur and trailblazer who has harnessed her vision, talent, and unwavering determination to build a thriving business. From the very beginning, this entrepreneur has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to seize opportunities and turn them into successful ventures. Her resilience and innovative spirit have not only enabled her to stand out amongst her peers but have also made her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her success with Eden Empire is a shining example of the incredible potential within our youth.
• Award for Outstanding Corporate Social Impact (CSI): Presented to Petronella Goliath of Niki Nathi Developments. CSI is not just an aspect of business; it is the heartbeat that connects enterprises to the soul of the community, and Petronella is being recognized for epitomizing this principle with unmatched dedication and passion. She has tirelessly raised funds during IEDF’s programs, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the organisation’s CSI Campaigns. However, her contributions extend far beyond financial support. She has devoted countless hours to mentoring young women, guiding them away from negative societal influences. Her heart of gold and deep-seated compassion for young women radiates through every action she takes. Her extraordinary efforts have made a lasting and powerful difference in the lives of many.