Young KZN aluminium entrepreneur bags award

Young entrepreneur Bhekuzulu Gumbi feels "validated" after scooping an award. | Supplied

Young entrepreneur Bhekuzulu Gumbi feels "validated" after scooping an award. | Supplied

Published Sep 4, 2024

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Durban — Metal doors and window maker Bhekuzulu Gumbi, 26, founder of Matawuzeni BMG, has won a Southern Africa Change Catalyst Award (Sacca) for entrepreneurs. He represented northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Operating in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Matawuzeni faced challenges such as late payments, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and rising costs.

Despite these hurdles, Matawuzeni stood resilient, providing general construction and fabrication services to their clientele.

He said that the awards ceremony at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre provided him with thought-provoking insights and set the tone for a day of inspiration and knowledge-sharing.

He mentioned that he was inspired by the keynote addresses given by renowned speakers. These included Maxwell Gomera, Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub and Resident Representative of the UN Sustainable Development Programme in South Africa; Cuthbert Ncube, Chairperson of the African Tourism Board; Matthews Mmopi, an expert on sustainability and mental health; and Lerato Kganyago, an expert on gender equality and poverty.

He said that he also focused on quality and customer satisfaction and how to build strong relationships with mentors, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders while prioritising sustainable practices and social responsibility, continuously innovating and adapting to market changes.”

He said that the highlight of the day was the awards ceremony, where he was honoured to receive the SDG9 award for his contributions to industry innovation and infrastructure, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and that this recognition is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in driving positive change.

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