Hombisa Mbokotho: the award-winning businesswoman transforming industries in South Africa
Hombisa Mbokotho.
Image: Supplied.
In the heart of South Africa's vibrant business ecosystem, Hombisa Mbokotho stands as a beacon of inspiration and success.
Hailing from the sleepy Enkozo village in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, Mbokotho has carved an impressive path through multiple sectors, establishing herself as a powerful force in consulting, IT, and food manufacturing.
Before setting forth on her entrepreneurial journey, Mbokotho built a strong foundation during a high-powered career that spanned over a decade.
Mbokotho told Business Report that the desire to create generational wealth and helping others from disadvantaged backgrounds to build sustainable businesses by helping them turn business concepts into bankable business cases and sustainable businesses was one of the reasons she stepped into the SME sector.
She believes in a holistic approach that entails not just structuring solid business cases and linking entrepreneurs to capital but also helping aspiring entrepreneurs to build up capacity and becoming part of and eco system where there is continuous support and mentorship.
The 41-year-old said she was inspired to become an entrepreneur from her grandmother who was a widowed mother of 12 children.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
"She raised and educated her children making a living as a small-scale farmer who did some crop farming and kept livestock and growing and selling cannabis, which was illegal at the time. She was also raised by a widowed mother of 3 who was a teacher by profession. Growing up and watching her mother struggle to provide for and put her kids through school birthed a desire within myself to change the narrative, not only for my family but for others with her community and the country at large," she said.
Her experiences in project finance, corporate finance, debt advisory, and public private partnerships have not only honed her skills but also solidified her status as an expert in smart procurement.
Mbokotho has contributed her expertise to notable institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority.
In the heart of South Africa's vibrant business ecosystem, Hombisa Mbokotho stands as a beacon of inspiration and success.
Image: Supplied.
Equipped with a BCom Accounting Sciences from the University of Pretoria, a BCom Honours in Business Management from UNISA, and an Executive Development Programme in Business Leadership from Duke University, Mbokotho's academic credentials are just as impressive as her professional accomplishments. As a co-founder and director of several companies, she has embraced a hands-on approach to business, focusing on sectors crucial to the country's infrastructure and economic development. Tsori Capital CC: Founded in 2010, this integrated Pan-Corporate and Project Finance Advisory and Accounting Services consulting firm provides vital services to sectors including Water and Sanitation, Mining, Power, Manufacturing, Municipalities, Housing, and Transport. Tsori Capital counts major organisations such as IDC, Land Bank, Transnet, DBSA, and MTN among its clients.
Founded in 2010, this integrated Pan-Corporate and Project Finance Advisory and Accounting Services consulting firm provides vital services to sectors including Water and Sanitation, Mining, Power, Manufacturing, Municipalities, Housing, and Transport. Tsori Capital counts major organisations such as IDC, Land Bank, Transnet, DBSA, and MTN among its clients. Ornecy (Pty) Ltd: Established in 2015, this proudly South African software development company has a footprint in ten African countries. Ornecy offers end-to-end cloud-based HR systems and payroll applications, designed locally with cutting-edge technology. Its clients include SALGA, IPSOS, and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. Ornecy is also recognised as a Microsoft ISV Partner.
Established in 2015, this proudly South African software development company has a footprint in ten African countries. Ornecy offers end-to-end cloud-based HR systems and payroll applications, designed locally with cutting-edge technology. Its clients include SALGA, IPSOS, and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. Ornecy is also recognised as a Microsoft ISV Partner. Sizani Foods (Pty) Ltd:
Mbokotho holds shares in this food manufacturing company that has been producing vitamin-fortified powdered food products since 1994. Originally focused on feeding schemes across Africa, Sizani has expanded to include contract manufacturing, making strides towards improving nutritional offerings in communities.
Mbokotho's contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including her accolade as a winner of inspiringfiftySA in 2021, an initiative aimed at celebrating the most inspiring women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Her passion for structuring sustainable SMMEs and unlocking funding epitomises her commitment to fostering economic growth and promoting gender equity. Mbokotho firmly believes that meaningful economic participation by women is essential in building a more equitable society.
She said that cashflow issues, especially operating capital when payments would delay but operating costs still had to be paid was one of the main challenges in getting her businesses up and running.
"Getting buy-in and participation by relevant stakeholders on projects targeted at specific economic sectors which are currently untapped by previously disadvantaged groups, albeit having the potential to unlock meaningful economic growth and create sustainable jobs," she said.
Beyond her professional engagement, Mbokotho is more than an entrepreneur; she is a culinary enthusiast and self-proclaimed 'foodie,' taking pleasure in cooking. An avid reader and aspiring author, she also enjoys travelling, constantly seeking new experiences that enrich her worldview.
Mbokotho is not just a successful businesswoman; she is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of ambition, and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation. Her journey exemplifies that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to inclusivity, one can indeed shape the future of South Africa's economy.
BUSINESS REPORT
Visit: www.businessreport.co.za
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Mahlatse Lekwadu's journey in the mining supply industry
Mahlatse Lekwadu stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment in the male-dominated mining and industrial supply sector, proving that limitations can indeed become the foundations of strength. Image: Supplied. At 52 years old, Mahlatse Lekwadu stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment in the male-dominated mining and industrial supply sector, proving that limitations can indeed become the foundations of strength. Based in Steelpoort, Limpopo, her enterprise, Magadine Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, has flourished over its seven-year journey, demonstrating how a woman living with a neurological disorder can not only overcome significant challenges but also challenge the status quo on inclusivity and representation. Growing up in Bothashoek village and later Burgersfort, Mahlatse's background has shaped her determination. Her early schooling at Madinoge Primary School and Mmiditsi Secondary School laid a foundational belief that education and perseverance can lead to possibilities beyond one's immediate circumstances. 'I don't have a dis-ability—I have a different-ability,' she proudly declares, embodying a narrative that redefines limitations into potentials. The road to entrepreneurship, however, was fraught with obstacles, particularly for a woman entering an industrial sector predominantly seen through the lens of male leadership. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ From 2018 to 2021, Magadine operated under a subcontract, limiting her ability to establish a firm foothold in the market. Financial constraints made starting the business exceedingly difficult; reliance on loans from family and friends, combined with personal credit, were the pillars upon which her dream began to materialise. For the initial three years, Mahlatse and her team operated out of her garage—a setting that often starkly contrasted the ambitious visions she held for her company. Accessibility, also, posed a significant barrier. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and the complexities of navigating vendor registration in the mining sector often left Mahlatse feeling disheartened. 'Getting registered as a vendor was a drawn-out process,' she recounts. 'I had to persistently send daily emails until we secured our vendor number.' Yet, through determination and an unyielding spirit, Mahlatse has gained tender opportunities, establishing relationships with industry giants like Glencore Eastern Mine and Lion Smelter. Today, as Magadine Business Enterprise continues to thrive, Mahlatse remains unyielding in her commitment to uplift fellow women and individuals with disabilities. This passion for mentorship and nurturing young talent comes from her aspiration for a better future, especially for her children. 'I take joy in mentoring others and continuously learning from the youth,' she affirms. However, the journey is not without its current challenges. Finding a reliable marketing consultant has proven complicated; unfortunately, not everyone has upheld the responsibilities required. "We are looking for a passionate marketer who can take Magadine Business to the next level,' she states—her resolve as strong as ever. Mahlatse Lekwadu's story is not merely about business triumph; it is a profound statement about resilience, inclusion, and the drive for economic empowerment. As she continues to navigate both the complexities of entrepreneurship and the brewing storms of personal challenges, her journey will undoubtedly inspire countless others, paving the way for future generations in the mining and industrial sectors—a field where representation is essential yet often lacking. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Welcome to Prosper Nation, a weekly column reshaping the narrative about SA's potential
Dr Nik Eberl is the Founder & Executive Chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event) .He will be writing a regular column in Business Report. Welcome to Prosper Nation, a weekly column dedicated to reshaping the narrative about South Africa's potential - and charting a new path to sustainable prosperity. This platform is born out of a belief that our greatest national resource is not mineral wealth or coastal beauty but our people and our untapped collective ambition. Each week, I will unpack the ideas, strategies, and stories that hold the power to turn South Africa into one of the Top 10 most prosperous nations on earth. Why Prosper Nation and Why Now? South Africa is brimming with potential. Yet we stand at a crossroads: high youth unemployment, structural inequality, and political fatigue have made many South Africans lose faith in our collective future. But I've seen what's possible when belief is restored. In 2010, I had the honour of developing and leading South Africa's Brand Ambassador Campaign for the FIFA World Cup™ - a campaign that would go on to earn the highest visitor brand score in the history of the tournament. We achieved that by doing something profound: uniting South Africans behind a shared story of excellence and possibility. We told the world we were ready - and then proved it. That campaign taught me that prosperity is not just GDP or job statistics. Prosperity is belief in action. When people believe in their country, their leaders, and their role in the future, they build with conviction. The 2010 Leadership ROI Hosted by South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ was a shining example of what can be achieved when all members of a team, in this case the entire country, pull together behind a single vision and a common goal. It was none other than Nelson Mandela who had initiated the 2010 vision of 'hosting the most successful World Cup ever' (as pronounced by President Thabo Mbeki) when he travelled, against his doctors' advice, all the way to Zurich to address the FIFA World Cup Committee and lifted the World Cup trophy as South Africa was announced the host of the 2010 edition. For the following six years, it was almost miraculous to watch how all the stakeholders of Team South Africa, from government to business, civic society and even the churches, came together to deliver what CNN called 'the most memorable World Cup of all time'. And visitors did rate 2010 the best World Cup ever, as South Africa achieved a 92% Net Promoter Score (still the highest to date) and FIFA rated the country's service delivery for the World Cup 9 out of 10. Following the 2010 World Cup, South Africa's leisure tourism grew 30% year-on-year (and business tourism more than 39%) – and the exchange rate went all the way up to R7/$ in July 2010. Such is the power of leadership alignment. What You can expect from this column In the coming weeks and months, Prosper Nation will explore the foundational drivers of prosperity through five lenses: The Future of Jobs: Drawing from the national conversation sparked by our recent Future of Jobs Summit , we'll examine the high-potential industries poised to reshape our economy—from digital services and green energy to advanced manufacturing and agritech. Drawing from the national conversation sparked by our recent , we'll examine the high-potential industries poised to reshape our economy—from digital services and green energy to advanced manufacturing and agritech. Leadership That Builds: Over the past ten years, I have interviewed more than 500 business and public sector leaders across the country. These conversations offer a goldmine of insight - about what works, what doesn't, and what South African leadership needs to look like in the decade ahead. Over the past ten years, I have interviewed more than 500 business and public sector leaders across the country. These conversations offer a goldmine of insight - about what works, what doesn't, and what South African leadership needs to look like in the decade ahead. Spotlighting Hidden Champions: South Africa is already home to dozens of companies leading their niche globally—but too few know their names. We will tell their stories and share the strategies that can be scaled across sectors. South Africa is already home to dozens of companies leading their niche globally—but too few know their names. We will tell their stories and share the strategies that can be scaled across sectors. Unlocking Human Capital: We will explore how to transform South Africa into a global talent hub, capable of retaining its brightest minds and attracting the world's top innovators, developers, and creators. We will explore how to transform South Africa into a global talent hub, capable of retaining its brightest minds and attracting the world's top innovators, developers, and creators. Benchmarking Global Best Practice: We will regularly refer to tools like the Global Prosperity Index to measure where we stand - and where we must improve - across education, health, governance, social capital, and business conditions. From Insights to Action The Inaugural Future of Jobs Summit revealed something vital: South Africans aren't short on ideas - they're short on aligned action. We need platforms where business, government, educators, and entrepreneurs can co-create new solutions, not just exchange complaints. That's what this column will be: a bridge between vision and execution. We'll translate ideas into policy suggestions, citizen initiatives, and enterprise strategies. And we'll invite everyone - especially young South Africans - to see themselves as architects of the future, not just observers. Building Our Prosper Nation - Together In 2010, we reminded the world that South Africa could do the impossible. Now, it's time to do it again - but this time, not just for a tournament, but for our people. I believe South Africa has what it takes to become one of the most innovative, inclusive, and prosperous nations of the 21st century. And I invite you to join me on this journey - not just as a reader, but as a partner in building a future we can all believe in.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Classroom to world-class: how companies can rewrite SA's future
Natasha Mkhize is Executive: Strategic Relations at the Ruta Sechaba Foundation. Image: Supplied. Investing in education doesn't just help an individual; it has a ripple effect that benefits their families, communities, and ultimately, the economy. This simple truth, often referred to as the human capital theory, underscores the profound impact that education can have on society's Africa has made notable strides in its commitment to education. Between 2008 and 2023, our nation increased its education spending by 39% – a figure that surpasses the benchmark recommended by UNESCO. While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognise that continued innovation and partnership are key to ensuring every learner gains the full benefit of these investments. Recent insights remind us that there is always room to nurture and improve. A study released by the World Bank in February highlighted an opportunity to further support early reading skills among Grade 4 learners. By emphasising enhanced teaching methods and well-coordinated reading programmes, there lies great potential for fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially in extending quality education to all learners, including those from lower-income families. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Since 2016, the Ruta Sechaba (Sesotho for 'educating the nation') Foundation has demonstrated the value of this approach with its support for learners from low-income households. More than 3 000 young people – selected for their academic and sporting excellence, leadership potential and commitment to making a difference in their communities – have been awarded scholarships at Curro schools, and the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. In 2024, every Grade 12 learner passed matric and 94% achieved a university exemption. Two Ruta Sechaba scholarship recipients were among Curro's top 10 performers nationally. But it is in individual achievements that we really begin to understand the possibilities of investing in potential: Bayanda Walaza, a Grade 12 learner last year at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, warmed up for his matric exams by winning an Olympic silver medal as a member of South Africa's 4x100m relay team in Paris last August. And on 24 May he was faster than ever, running a personal best of 9.94 sec that made him the world 's fastest under-20 so far this year. 's fastest under-20 so far this year. Dash Gilbert, who matriculated at Curro Durbanville in 2022, dreams of being the next South African to design championship-winning Formula 1 cars. He is studying motorsport engineering and leads the motor-racing fluid dynamics team at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. And Phoebe Mgxaji, who shone as a scientist and head girl at Curro Somerset West – she represented South Africa at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in 2019 – was one of South Africa's 'voices of power' in the recent Vroustemme concert in Cape Town. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music degree at Wits University. This month, Bayanda, Dash and Phoebe will be among Ruta Sechaba alumni 'back at school', this time at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. The foundation is setting up an outdoor classroom where a book on each desk tells the story of a world-class learner supported by the desk, however, will convey a different narrative. It will be empty, telling the story of an exceptional learner whose potential is yet to be unlocked; a story of an already-stretched education system that will have to accommodate an additional 1.2 million learners by 2030; and a story in which hundreds of thousands of bright young individuals and an entire economy are being let down by their schooling. The subplots of this story are distressingly familiar: unemployment and crime. Several studies have found that the education system produces graduates who often cannot meet basic literacy and numeracy requirements for available jobs, even at entry levels. And because gaps in education limit legitimate earning opportunities, criminal activity becomes relatively more attractive. Economists say there are correlations between areas with lower educational attainment and higher rates of property crime. This is a story that can be rewritten, of course, which is what the foundation's 'world-class' campaign this Youth Month sets out to do. We are urging companies throughout the country to emulate the likes of PSG, Absa, Capitec and Exxaro in sponsoring bright young learners who need nothing more than the chance to show what they can become. Put differently, we are asking them to invest in the future of South Africa, as shown by a recent North-West University study which analysed 26 years of data and concluded: 'People who completed their Grade 12 (with matric certificate) and bachelor's degrees contribute positively to South African economic growth.' This is a scalable proposition. If each of the 270 JSE-listed companies sponsors 100 learners annually, within five years there will be 13 ,000 new reasons to believe in South Africa's future. If unlisted companies join them, the impact becomes exponentially greater – and so does the payback. The skills base in the economy improves; positive brand associations make it easier to attract top talent; educated consumers with higher earning potential expand markets; companies benefit from operating in more stable, prosperous communities; and the risks associated with inequality and social instability us to fill that empty desk this Youth Month. Help bright young minds go from the classroom to world-class. Natasha Mkhize is Executive: Strategic Relations at the Ruta Sechaba Foundation. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
