Black Umbrellas (BU) proudly hosted its 10th Annual National Enterprise Development Awards (NEDAs), marking a decade of recognising the achievements of black entrepreneurs who are driving change in their industries and communities.
Held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the awards shone a spotlight on the grit, innovation, and determination of the entrepreneurs nurtured through Black Umbrellas’ development programmes. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Beating Limits”, resonated throughout the evening as winners were recognised for their remarkable contributions to job creation, economic development, and social impact.
The evening kicked off with a welcome address from Rajesh Sukha, Chairperson of Black Umbrellas, who reflected on the theme of the evening. Sukha said, “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But tonight, we celebrate the bravery, determination, and resilience of those who face adversity and still rise to create, share, and grow businesses that impact lives.”
Ravi Naidoo, CEO of Youth Employment Service (YES), delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, urging the business community to support young entrepreneurs in their journey toward success.
“Our future depends on the success of our youth in business,” Naidoo emphasised, highlighting the critical need for mentorship and access to resources. “As a nation, we must focus on providing the tools, resources, and mentorship that enable youth to thrive as business owners.”
His speech resonated with the night’s recognition of youth and women entrepreneurs who face unique challenges in their journey to success.
The evening’s highlight was the recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs, among them, Entrepreneur of the Year Award & Asindize Programme winner Johnson Bongani Vetbooi, founder of Bolwa Security Services.
With 23 years of security expertise, Johnson has led Bolwa Security Services to exceptional growth since joining the Black Umbrellas programme in 2019. After graduating from the Asindize programme in April 2024, his monthly revenue surged from R20,000 to R650,000, and his employee base grew from two guards to 106 employees.
Johnson credits Black Umbrellas with empowering him with the skills to scale his business.
“The programme equipped me with the tools, confidence, business coaches and incubation centre to take my business to the next level. Today, Bolwa Security Services stands as a testament to hard work and determination and collective effort,” he said.
Black Umbrellas is an enterprise and supplier development (ESD) incubation organisation that partners with entrepreneurs, enterprises, investors and communities, to drive an inclusive and sustainable economic future by enabling the success of emerging SMEs.
The organisation focuses on developing qualifying businesses to a level where they can gain meaningful access to procurement, finance and networks and then facilitating access to these opportunities. This development takes place on a virtual incubation platform, an online portal that allows Black Umbrellas to deliver its business incubation programmes, job creation support and economic upliftment in an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable manner.
Quinty Rabophala, founder of Kenokatha Farms, was the winner of the Top Entrepreneur – Siyakhula Programme & Woman in Business Champion awards.
Quinty’s journey into farming began in 2018, and in 2020, she officially established Kenokatha Farms. Despite initial setbacks, including market access challenges and compliance issues, Rabophala has expanded her business across two provinces. She credits the Siyakhula programme for helping her refine her business model.
“Black Umbrellas has been instrumental in helping me understand the importance of compliance and record-keeping. These lessons have paved the way for Kenokatha Farms’ growth and future success,” said Rabophala.
Both winners were celebrated for their resilience, growth, and commitment to excellence, which have propelled their businesses to new heights. The NEDAs also recognised the vital role of women and youth entrepreneurs in driving South Africa’s economic growth.
Mmabatho Maboya, Black Umbrellas Acting CEO, closed the evening with a heartfelt vote of thanks, highlighting the impact of the event and the ongoing support from sponsors and partners.
“Tonight is a reflection of the impact we are making together. The future of entrepreneurship in South Africa is bright, thanks to organisations like ours and the dedication of each entrepreneur here tonight,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation for its support of Black Umbrellas.
The event was made possible by the generous support of Black Umbrellas’ partners, including Bowmans, Baffalo, Heineken, Huawei, iCapital, Kapara Insurance Brokers, Kumisa, SMD Technologies, Val Aqua, and Woolworths.
Johnson Bongani Vetbooi, founder of Bolwa Security Services 
Quinty Rabophala, founder of Kenokatha Farms
The full list of runners-up and winners are:
Top Entrepreneur – Masakhe Programme
- Winner: Sinazo Ncindi of Noni Property Developments
- Runner-up: Lango Cele of ISHU MSA
Top Entrepreneur – Siyakhula Programme
- Winner: Quinty Rabophala of Kenokatha Farms
- Runner-up: Zazi Makapela of RareRabbit Consulting
Top Entrepreneur – Asindize Programme
- Winner: Johnson Bongani Vetbooi of Bolwa Security Services
- Runner-up: Bandile Dlabantu of Khepri Innovations
Top Entrepreneur – Emerging Technology Business
- Winner: Khanya Rodolo of Kayrod Technologies
Top Entrepreneur – Woman-Owned Business
- Winner: Quinty Rabophala of Kenokatha Farms
- Runner-up: Zazi Makapela of RareRabbit Consulting
Top Entrepreneur – Youth-Owned Business
- Winner: Lydia Jaceni of Komani Health Shop (pty) Ltd
- Runner-up: Khanya Rodolo of Kayrod Technologies
Black Umbrellas Ambassador of the Year
- Winner: Lydia Jaceni of Komani Health Shop (Pty) Ltd
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Winner: Johnson Bongani Vetbooi of Bolwa Security Services
- Runner-up: Bandile Dlabantu of Khepri Innovations
