The return of SMME support competition is one of the phenomenal campaigns done by Chris Hani Crossing. The competition aimed at supporting 3 local Small to Medium businesses with a chance of 3 of the lucky winners taking home a share of R15 000.
Giving back to the community is always top of mind as the Mall aims to improve the lives of the people it serves, and what better way to do that if not through supporting growing businesses. Business owners had to post a one-minute video on the Mall’s Facebook page on how the share of the Prize would assist their business. SMMEs entered and there was a lot of versatility and drive in the videos submitted. On the 29th of June at the Mall, all entrants were allowed to take part in a Market where they could showcase their businesses and make sales.
Masechaba Mphaki the founder of M.S Bakers situated in Vosloorus EXT 14 one of the winners said that the industry she is in is competitive because everyone can bake what sets her apart is that this is not a hobby or money-making scheme but rather a passion and that’s why she held on. “At some point, the business was not functioning well due to lack of quality equipment but this competition has given me hope” she stated. She further mentioned that this was the first competition she entered and she’s very grateful for winning the price of R5000 because it will help her to buy a bigger and better stove as sometimes her orders delay due to the old and small stove she is using.
Karabo Ya Bafokeng Sempe another winner and the Founder of Sweet Black Cherry stated that there is no business that will not prosper especially if we still have SMMEs support. She runs a soap and lotion-making business where she makes bath salts and a variety of soaps from scratch. “I am very grateful for this share of the money I got from Chris Hani Crossing as it will assist me in innovating new products,” Sempe stated
Kagiso Lesedi Dladla amongst the winners, owner of The Hair Guru mentioned that starting the business from your Mother’s kitchen was not easy as the pressure becomes too much. We are growing and a share of the winnings has allowed me to expand my business and will now be able to add equipment so that we can run an efficient business to service our clients.
With this year’s success, the Mall was delighted and hope this competition has uplifted the business owners and hopes other owners learn from this.
