Rita Zwane. Image: Supplied.
With sheer grit and determination, the founder and CEO of Imbizo Shisanyama has managed to reopen her busineses after shutting down for a period after being battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rita Zwane was recently celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Township Economy Awards in Tembisa, hosted by the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance on 23 November 2024.
Over the past few years, she faced formidable challenges, yet, Rita refused to fade into the background.
Her fierce resilience shone through as she triumphantly reopened the Imbizo Shisanyama at the Mall of Thembisa on September 20 after closing it for just over a year due to the negative impact of the Covid -19 pandemic, marking yet another comeback in her remarkable journey.
Since its grand reopening, the outlet has experienced an impressive resurgence, transforming into a vibrant hub for the nation’s finest 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 other leading entrepreneurs, recently published Rising from the Township which highlighted the journeys of SA’s top 10 township entrepreneurs.
According to Zwane, every entrepreneur experiences many testing 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 said, “I received this award not only for me and my personal journey but also on behalf of the first 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, the founder of the Township Economy Alliance, said, “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.”
Zwane further said, “I am very humbled and honoured to have received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Township Economy Awards. The recognition of my journey as a township serial entrepreneur humbles me the most.”
BUSINESS REPORT