On 10 September, the winner of the second Small Business Awards was announced. The competition ran on Gauteng’s Talk Radio 702 during August when listeners could nominate small businesses that had given them outstanding service. From over 10 500 nominations, 30 finalists were chosen and after much deliberation, the judges named Ndulamiso Appliances as the winners.

Ndulamiso met, and exceeded, all the factors that the panel of judges took into account including a sense of entrepreneurship, potential and vision for growth, the soundness of the business, service orientation and impact on their community.

Ultimately, there had to be one winner. “Ndulamiso appliances satisfied all the criteria,” said judge and Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. “Moreover, the judges were impressed by their level of dedication and service to the customer. This was demonstrated by the overwhelming positive response to their nomination from listeners who had used them.”

Tell us more
Ndulamiso Appliances was established in 2007 and offers full-service repair for big brand domestic appliances. The company was built on the correct strategic mix of excellence in service delivery, clear communication of promise and fulfilling all work competently. Their work teams are qualified and knowledgeable and pride themselves on their service and core group of satisfied clients.

The economic impact on SMES
In the current economic climate, the number of small businesses in South Africa is on the rise. With the rate of retrenchment and limited employment options, South Africans have to create their own employment. “So, now more than ever, small businesses need to be lauded for the services they provide. It is important to support this essential element of the business sector,” said Steven Cohen, managing director of Softline Pastel.

At the awards event, held in Sandton, Cohen congratulated all the finalists. “It gives me hope to see people, many of whom had jobs in the mainstream, actually take the leap and believe in themselves enough to go for it. By each of these individuals starting out on their own, it’s had a multiplier effect on people’s lives through job creation and economic activity – critical for the future of this country.”

What they win
Ndulamiso Appliances has won an airtime advertising package on Talk Radio 702 and for the first time this year, the winner will also receive basic business mentorship from Softline Pastel which aims to assist them in developing a sustainable business model. All top three finalists received a Small Business Starter pack that includes accounting, payroll and legal software.