The legendary Dr Maponya was addressing thousands of guests at the inaugural Township Entrepreneur Awards held at Nasrec Center, next to Soweto on Saturday evening.
The former African Bank chairman says:”The future is in our hands as majority, therefore it begs the question why can’t we support and empower ourselves as other nations”? he asked much to the roaring applause.
“Yes, apartheid has damaged us psychologically but its time we stand up and rightfully so claim back what is ours. We have the numbers and the power to control the economy. That’s what I want from you the entrepreneurs who are being recognized tonight.
“Don’t be like me. Be more adventures because opportunities are aplenty now,” said the Dr Maponya, who is now walking with aid of a stick, surrounded by great-grand children who came in numbers.
The awards the first of its kind in the country, according to MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng Lebogang Maile, honoured winners from eleven categories.
The night belonged to none other than Kgomotso Pooe from Soweto Outdoor Adventures, who scooped two awards: Youth Entrepreneur and Tourism categories respectively, amounting to R300 000 each.
In true spirit Kgomotso shifted the limelight to her staff members and said they deserve what’s coming their way.
“Challenges,we were told that we will be out of business within months of operation but guess what, we’re still in the game after five years and still counting,” says KG, as he took that much needed breath.
Second challenge, local Gvt did not want to afford us an ear as we made requests for meetings, so did other corporate organizations but today, they’re the one approaching us with ideas,” says Pooe, as they held cheques aloft with the team.
“Going forward, would like to appreciate the support from the Gauteng Tourism, Gauteng Propeller and other organizations for entrusting in us when it was tough. They walked along with us.”
“Seeing the presence of ntate Maponya in our midst shows how important ‘Tounship’ economy is to him. We’re forever grateful he made it to reap what he sew,” he continued.
It feels great being honoured by your own township people and would also like to thank MEC Maile for the concept. We will continue supporting it, even if we don’t win in years’ to come, says Pooe.
The team agreed in unison that they going to create more job opportunities; revisit other projects that failed as a result of funds and of course, SA and Sowetans brace yourselves for a magic, in September this year, Soweto Outdoor Adventures will have the first Power Boat in Gauteng.
Yes, this sounds like a brilliant investment for the young, unassuming entrepreneur.
Other category winners include:
The ViewGuest House -R300 000 (Woman Entrepreneur)
Entrepreneur with Disability –R300 000 (Cycle Check Trading)
Transport – R300 000 (Chok Auto Salvage)
Social and Community –Ethembeni Day Care R300 000
Services –Mohlakeng Medical Services R300 000
Retail- Ola SuperStores R300 000
Manufacturing –Home ofSoweto Gold R300 000
Food and Beverages- Hleko’s Restaurant R300 000
Construction and Building- Reiger Park Supplies R300 000
