The winner, Sabelo Sibanda, co-founder and CEO of Millbug has been running the electronics manufacturing company, from Port Elizabeth, since 2012. Together with co-founder and COO, Thulisile Volwana, they were not deterred by challenges they endured while growing their business. Some of their highlights include developing Africa’s first solar powered tablet PC in 2013 and this year they were the first African company to exhibit at the 2016 Gartner Symposium.
“I am grateful to Shanduka Black Umbrellas for sponsoring my participation at the SPW Conference and ESD Expo. Winning the competition and exhibiting at the Expo has opened up incredible trade opportunities. Access to markets is a very real challenge SMEs face and the prize on offer solves this problem substantially. My team and I are very excited and grateful for the opportunity to grow our company,” says Sabelo Sibanda, co-founder and CEO, Millbug.
“All the stories we received were emotive and not only made selecting the winner difficult but provided us with insights on the positive impact the Conference and Expo has on the SMMEs. It is heart-warming to hear how we have influenced thought processes, understanding of legislation and exposing them to market access opportunities has been of great benefit,” says Debbie Tagg, COO, Smart Procurement World.
“The SPW Conference and ESD Expo continue to empower SMMEs who have now become meaningful contributors to South Africa’s economy, offer employment opportunities and grow their businesses among other.”
