…Tanele Dlamini takes it home
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – Most Improved Entrepreneur.
This is the second title that the champion of the Lubombo region’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award received in addition to winning the main title.
Tanele Dlamini (34) was recognised as the Lubombo region’s Entrepreneur of the Year in a ceremony held today, as graced by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo’s representative, MSME Unit Director Mluleki Dlamini.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister during the ceremony, the MSME Unit Director extolled the entire Lubombo region’s spirit of entrepreneurship.
“The Lubombo region is very important for the economic well-being of the country as it accounts for 18% of the 59 000 MSME owners in the country. We acknowledge that this is the region that produces the Eswatini Gold and thus also contributes immensely to our export revenue and the employment of a large population of our people,” said the Minister’s representative.
He also noted that industries in the Lubombo region have been instrumental in creating value chains which diversify the economy and create an inclusive economic ecosystem. He added that this must have contributed to the growth in the diversity of businesses in LUBOMBO region.
“I am also glad that this year we have seen growth, not only in the number of entrants but also diversity in the sectors represented. We have noticed that some categories have improved regarding the businesses that enter the competition. We have seen entrants who are not just in primary production but rather in value-added manufacturing,” said the MSME Unit Director.
“This is worth highlighting and celebrating because His Majesty’s Government, through various ministries, has been working on promoting the participation of the MSME sector in key supply chains through value addition. We believe this will enhance both market entry and market access to SME products,” he added.
The Lubombo region’s Entrepreneur of the Year is the founder and director of Place of Power Investment, which sella stationary, cosmetics, electronics and other supplies.
The winner, who hails from Siphofaneni, will be representing the region in the upcoming national Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Other winners from the Lubombo regional Entrepreneur of the Year Awards were Ngangelive Gule of Eswatini VEG (Agribusiness), Siphiwe Simelane of SOMCO Makhoba General Supplies (Youth), Philile Nozipho Dlamini of Moving Forward (Retailer), Thabisile Matsenjwa of Sebengetekile (Women Owned) and Reginah Mlilo of R&J Fruits & Veg (Street Vendor).
