Latest news with #SithembileNdlovu
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Deadline nears for iLembe's top business competition
Aspiring entrepreneurs across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond are urged to act fast as the deadline for the iLembe Chamber Entrepreneur Programme 2025 approaches. There are only three days left before entries for Entrepreneur 2025 close on July 11. This is your final opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative that has empowered hundreds of small businesses across the North Coast. The annual programme, run by the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, has had a remarkable impact on participating small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). Now in its 15th edition, the programme continues to grow in impact and reach. What began as a local effort to uplift small enterprises has evolved into a nationally recognised model of entrepreneurial development. 'Through this competition, we have been able to unearth and support small business gems in our district,' said iLembe Chamber CEO, Cobus Oelofse. 'We want to continue this tradition, which is a great achievement.' This is made possible by the backing of key partners including Enterprise iLembe, King Shaka International Airport, Siza Water, AVON Peaking Power, ENGIE Peakers Operations, and The North Coast Courier. The programme is set to expand in 2025 to include Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Twenty selected entrepreneurs will embark on a 10-week journey of growth and learning, receiving expert mentorship, business training and support in developing professional business plans This is more than just a competition – it's a launchpad for sustainable business success. Last year, the competition had 84 entries, with Sithembile Ndlovu – known as The Mushroom Queen – Claire Butler of Humidity Hulk and Donovan Gumede of Asbongah Foods finished first, second and third, respectively. Oelofse is encouraging people to inform their friends or local SSMEs to enter this year's competition. 'We urge anyone who knows an entrepreneur or of a small business that has got a business that meets the criteria of the competition to please enter,' he said. How to apply: Entrepreneurs can submit their entries online at or collect and submit forms at the iLembe Chamber offices at The Quarter in the Ballito CBD in person. There are also designated drop boxes located throughout the district for entrants to use. For more information or assistance with your application, contact Sakhile Khumalo at 087 354 6343 or email: [email protected] Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme What started as a local initiative to uplift small businesses has become a national model of success – and the iLembe Chamber's entrepreneur programme is just getting started. Over the past 15 years, the programme has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. This was reaffirmed during the launch of its 15th edition last week, where Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse presented a comprehensive 10-year impact review. The findings highlighted significant growth among previous participants, with many reporting increased turnover, entry into new markets, the launch of new products and improved profitability. One of the programme's standout achievements has been job creation, with participating businesses reporting an 82% increase in employment after completion. Guests at the launch also heard firsthand accounts from 2024 winners, including Sithembile Ndlovu – known as The Mushroom Queen -and Claire Butler of Humidity Hulk. Both entrepreneurs shared how the programme helped them navigate challenges, streamline operations and explore new opportunities. 'At one point, I had to ask The North Coast Courier to stop advertising my product because the demand became overwhelming. But I'm truly grateful for the support,' said Ndlovu. Similarly Butler said her business had skyrocketed with the exposure she had received. The report also noted improvements in financial management, upgraded systems and more resilient business models among past participants. The 2025 edition of the programme will run over 10 weeks, with 20 finalists receiving mentorship, business training and assistance in developing professional business plans. Supported nationally by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the programme will expand next year to include the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. 'We're proud to share iLembe's success and continue supporting small businesses across the country,' said Oelofse. Key local partners include Enterprise iLembe, King Shaka International Airport, Siza Water, AVON Peaking Power, ENGIE Peakers Operations and The North Coast Courier. Applications for 2025 are now open. Entrepreneurs can apply online at collect forms from the iLembe Chamber offices or submit entries via drop boxes around the district. For more information, contact Sakhile Khumalo on 087 354 6343 or email sakhile@ Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
