Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud to support the George Business Chamber’s 2nd annual The Entrepreneur programme and competition, which concluded on 1st November 2024. As a key partner in this transformative initiative, ACSA is committed to empowering small businesses and driving local economic growth by developing entrepreneurs across South Africa.
Intensive Training and Mentorship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneur programme, originally launched by the iLembe Chamber in KwaZulu-Natal 14 years ago, made its debut in George in 2023 and expanded to Mangaung in 2024. The initiative has earned recognition as a vital platform for innovation and growth, nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills, business insights, and the mentorship needed to achieve sustainable success.
The 2024 programme, which launched on 26 June, ran over 10 weeks, identifying and cultivating 21 promising entrepreneurs from George and the greater Garden Route. Participants embarked on an intensive journey that combined theoretical business modelling with practical application, aimed at equipping them with the tools to grow and succeed.
A team of seven accredited mentors from the George Business Chamber provided valuable guidance throughout the programme, which included rigorous training at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) George Campus. Finalists developed comprehensive business plans, which they submitted for review on 11 October, followed by presentations to a panel of adjudicators on 28 October. The programme concluded with an exhibition and awards ceremony on 1st November, where winners were celebrated for their accomplishments.
Recognizing Excellence: Meet the 2024 Winners
The top three winners of The Entrepreneur 2024 were:
- Kwanonqaba Industries – Themkozi Mkize
- Precious Life Frail Care – Eldri Havenga
- South Cape Recruitment – Yvette Meyer
The winners were awarded a collective prize of R75,000, recognizing their exceptional vision and commitment to driving local innovation and economic growth.
Among the finalists was Life Malesa, whose journey stands out as a profound example of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. A previous beneficiary of ACSA’s carpentry project, Malesa leveraged his training to establish his own carpentry business, ultimately gaining a place in The Entrepreneur 2024. His inspiring story highlights the impact of skill-building initiatives and ACSA’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
The 2024 programme, with an estimated project value of R500,000, was made possible through contributions from ACSA, George Business Chamber, AHI Western Cape, George Herald, Algoa FM, and NMU.
“ACSA is incredibly proud to be part of such a dynamic and impactful initiative,” said Ele Tshikovhi, Group Manager Transformation at Airports Company South Africa. “Supporting emerging entrepreneurs is essential for building resilient communities and fostering long-term economic growth. Our vision is to expand The Entrepreneur programme nationwide, creating a ripple effect of opportunity, job creation, and innovation across South Africa.”
With a strong foundation established in George, ACSA envisions expanding The Entrepreneur programme across South Africa, fuelling local economies, and supporting job creation. By enabling emerging businesses to thrive, ACSA and its partners aim to drive long-term economic impact, innovation, and empowerment in communities nationwide.
