Gym owner fit for people’s choice award
The youth entrepreneurship programme saw 17 business enthusiasts battle it out for a chance to win a share of the R1.5-million business grant funding.
SIMPHIWE Mazibuko, owner of Ejimini in Empangeni, walked away with the People’s Choice Award at the final ceremony of South African Breweries’ (SAB) KickStart competition, which was held last week at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in Johannesburg.
The youth entrepreneurship programme saw 17 business enthusiasts battle it out for a chance to win a share of the R1.5-million business grant funding.
After watching a brief video clip of what contestants’ businesses entail and gazing through the various branded booklets, Simphiwe was selected as the audiences’ favourite.
Simphiwe said, ‘Firstly, when we arrived, all entrepreneurs walked smack bang into seeing our companies listed on the JSE screen. We actually opened market that day. Possibilities at this stage seemed endless.’
Mazibuko described the event as being completely surreal.
‘It was a day full of hope. The room was filled with like-minded business people and we were all feeding off each others’ energy,’ she said with excitement.
Her new Ipad Air prize which was handed to her on the day will allow this ambitious female entrepreneur to drive her business to even greater heights.
When this God-fearing woman is not hard at work, you can find her in the kitchen preparing all kinds of scrumptious food for her husband/business partner, Senzelwe Mazibuko, and their son, Sihe (2).
‘I absolutely love cooking and trying out new recipes. I also love reading and listening to music, as this sparks up my creative senses,’ Simphiwe added.
Mazibuko’s success lies on the foundation of constant support she receives from her family, friends, colleagues and customers.
On receiving the 2014 KickStart People’s Choice Award, she states, ‘This award is symbolic of the community and the Ejimini family’.
Ejimini wellness and fitness centre started out in 2008, with the sole purpose of transforming peoples’ lives through a combination of exercise routines and health giving tips.
