Shisanyama pioneer honoured with Township Economy 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Rita Zwane, the visionary founder and CEO of one of South Africa’s most iconic homegrown brands, has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Township Economy Awards in Tembisa hosted by the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance on the 23rd November 2024. Over the last year, she faced formidable challenges, including the heartbreaking closure of the Imbizo Shisanyama outlet at the Mall of Thembisa. Yet, fuelled by an unwavering spirit and determination, Rita refused to fade into the background. Her fierce resilience shone through as she triumphantly reopened the outlet on September 20, marking yet another comeback in her remarkable journey. Since its reopening in September, the outlet has made a remarkable comeback and is becoming a hot spot for the country's top musicians and performers.

Known in the community as one of its matriarchs and leading lights, Zwane has been instrumental in the mentoring and development of countless young entrepreneurs in the Township economy.? Her 2019 book, Conquering the Poverty of the Mind was an open, vulnerable and authentic account of her journey to success. More recently Rita alongside with other leading entrepreneurs recently published Rising from the Township which highlights the journeys of SA’s top 10 township entrepreneurs.??

According to Zwane, every entrepreneur experiences many challenging moments in their journey, irrespective of where they are, but those living in the rural and township economy experience more than double the normal challenges.

She says: “I received this award not only for me and my personal journey but also on behalf of the 1st generation of black township entrepreneurs in SA whose stories fade as time passes. They were the first to cultivate the township economy under difficult conditions e.g. Bab Talente in Umlazi KZN, Bab Twala, Bab Thebethe in Tembisa, Gauteng and many others in different townships around the country.”

Bulelani Balabala, founder of the Township Economy Alliance believes that “MaZwane is the epitome of authentic entrepreneurial success. She has openly and vulnerably shared her entrepreneurial journey, the highs and the lows, the joy and the pain. Her resilience, passion and determination are testament to her being a living blueprint and a true inspiration to young upcoming entrepreneurs in the township. She has built South Africa’s most iconic homegrown brand. The name Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama is known far and wide not only in our country but all over the world. It’s a brand synonymous with quality meat and a premium experience.”

Today, the same fierce, determined and passionate entrepreneurial spirit that shattered one glass ceiling after the next continues to drive Rita Zwane and the iconic Imbizo Shisanyama brand today. The battle scars prove her resilience, her fortitude and her unwavering commitment to not only create a legacy for herself and her family but the wisdom and the knowledge she shares with young and upcoming entrepreneurs to make a long-lasting positive contribution to the South African township economy.

Zwane adds “I am very humbled and honoured to have received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Township Economy Awards held in Tembisa on Saturday evening. It is the recognition of my journey as a township serial entrepreneur that humbles me the most.”

Without a doubt the school fees were expensive but like other pioneers and way makers, she’s forging ahead and paving the way for the third generation of black entrepreneurs to reach even greater heights. She has built a deep and solid foundation for this younger generation to stand on her shoulders and reach for the stars. This foundation is for the future black billionaires, Rising from the Township will be her legacy.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Mel Powell, Publicist, Kingdom Publicity House at [email protected] or call 063-013-1969.