The sixteenth 2024 South African Small Business Awards celebrated South Africa's top entrepreneurs and small businesses at a gala breakfast hosted by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC), in Johannesburg, earlier this month.

The awards honoured 20 small businesses and entrepreneurs, alongside special award winners and main category award winners, in a ceremony attended by prominent figures of the business community.
 
NSBC founder and CEO Mike Anderson emphasised the vital role small and medium-sized businesses play in reducing unemployment and driving innovation in South Africa. He expressed pride in the diversity of entrants, which underscored the strength of South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape.
 
The 2024 South African Small Business Awards was sponsored by Absa, Netstar, Experian, Sage, Toyota and Vodacom Business.

Anderson acknowledged the critical support these industry leaders provided in helping small businesses succeed, noting that this sponsorship was instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa.

He also highlighted the impact that each award entrant had had on South Africans' lives, either by creating jobs or providing essential services.

"At the heart of this great nation is its people, and I am proud to be associated with all these worthy winners,” he said.

Winners included Trudy Maleka from Ambesha Africa for National Small Business Champion; Adam Hunter from Hook, Line and Sinker for National Entrepreneur Champion; Mlungisi Nkosi from Mlungisi Nkosi Maths & Science Centre for National Startup Champion; and Buyi Mafoko from Matte BLK for National Woman in Business Champion.

Special Awards were presented to Adri Williams from Khayelitsha Cookies; Ronald Magondo from Nerdware; Ernest Mongezi Majenge from the Wheelchair Doctor & Manufacturing; Mampho Sotshongaye from Golden Rewards 1981 cc; Michelle Geere from Adbot; and Thabile Makhoba from Makhoba Professional Services.

In his closing remarks, Anderson extended congratulations to all winners and expressed deep gratitude for their dedication to improving the future.

"The NSBC not only congratulate the winners but also thank them for their relentless commitment to building a better tomorrow," he added, underscoring the positive impact of these businesses on South Africa's communities and economy.