
Kenilworth rewarded as the top Suzuki dealership in SA
Suzuki Kenilworth in Cape Town claimed top honours for the second year running at the annual Suzuki Dealer Conference and Awards.
- Dealer News
- 27 June 2025
Community-based businesses play a vital role in the social and economic development of KwaZulu-Natal, which is popular for its diverse culture and economic disparities.
These small businesses, often operating on a small scale, are deeply rooted in their local communities and provide a number of benefits that would otherwise not be available if they were not servicing these areas.
Rooted in KwaZulu-Natal, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recognises the role that these enterprises play in and around communities. TSAM recently embarked on a community-development initiative that has taken ten small business entrepreneurs from the community of Eston in the Umbumbulu area to undergo a fully sponsored, rigorous business development programme that spans over ten months. This initiative is run by Raizcorp, who is known for world-class business incubation and business acceleration programmes.
“Recognising and supporting community-based enterprises are crucial for the continued growth and sustainability of the KwaZulu-Natal community. TSAM and Raizcorp understand the vital role of mentorships and together we have ensured that this is a key component of the programme,” says Jacqui Simonsen from Raizcorp.
“My initial expectation was that this would be a classroom-style programme, but it has in fact proven to be very practical, engaging and value-adding to my business and day-to-day operations,” says Nhlakanipho Hlongwa of Wiseman Nhlekzin (Pty) Ltd about their experience.
Running a business, no matter how big or small, comes with daily challenges, ranging from a lack of access to finance to a lack of access to land. While for those operating in the farming space, the day-to-day challenges include theft of crops owing to inadequate fencing structures, livestock destroying their crops and the absence of irrigation systems. Amidst all these challenges, the entrepreneurs are determined to rise above the challenges and be a beacon of hope in the community.
“I never used to keep records in my business, but now I am able to put together a cash-flow statement, all thanks to the financial management module. Through this program I have built business relationships and have used this program as part of a peer-to-peer support system,” concludes Veronica Shozi of Iphunga Elimnandi (Pty) Ltd.
Mahindra South Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa India), the global movement founded by cricket legend, Kevin Pietersen, dedicated to saving endangered rhinos across the region.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (“MBSA”) announced personnel changes within its executive committee.
The South African used car market experienced positive growth in May 2025, with year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM) increases indicating a positive consumer sentiment in the fifth month of the year.