The Managing Director of Gauteng-based GAD Consulting Services, Ms Precious Mvulane was crowned the overall winner of the Ligugu Lami Awards at a ceremony held in Mahikeng, North-West last night. The award ceremony was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN).
The 38 year-old entrepreneur, who has taken it upon herself to coach young people in the field of finance, walked away with R150 000 and a laptop as her grand prize. Mvulane who originates from KwaZulu-Natal believes her hard work and dedication got her to where she is today. She said she wanted to utilise the money to upgrade her Accounting software and quality management system to expand her business.
“It’s very difficult for women to sustain their businesses. However, government has made it possible for us to participate and get support from different programmes that are mainly targeting women entrepreneurs,” said Mvulane.
Mvulane believes being patient and resilient pays off a great deal, especially if you believe and trust in your abilities. The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe who crowned the winner said the emancipation and economic development of women still remain government’s main priority.
Thabethe said government is committed and will avail resources to support and empower women in business.
“Award ceremonies are one of the platforms that can be used to celebrate and encourage women to work harder and take pride in the work that they do,” said Thabethe.
She congratulated all the winners and urged all women who were nominated to take pride in the work that they do since they have already been recognised for the positive contribution in their communities.
The purpose of this award ceremony was to encourage women operating very small businesses to take pride in their efforts and to nurture their enterprises so they can grow and enter the mainstream economy.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe with the Ligugu Lami overall winner Ms Precious Mvulane at the awards ceremony in Mahikeng last night.
Enquiries:
SidwellMedupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Twitter: @the_dti
