(GCIS Sponsored Article): Driving economic growth: Government’s commitment to MSMEs

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Teaser: SPONSORED: The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) is here to empower MSMEs with the support and resources they need to flourish

The South African government is dedicated to uplifting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as a cornerstone of economic recovery and growth. With a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) introduces a suite of programs tailored to empower small businesses and co-operatives across the country.

In an exclusive interview with SAnews, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General (Acting DG), Nomonde Mnukwa, emphasised the deliberate steps the government has taken to foster the development of MSMEs, and the wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses, co-operatives and informal enterprises.

She highlighted that the government’s support for small businesses is rooted in their significant contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of citizens. 

The National Development Plan places the responsibility of creating 90% of new jobs in the workforce in South Africa on the MSMEs.

“Government is very deliberate about providing targeted support to small businesses, including co-operatives, micro-enterprises, and informal businesses because we know that they are a major source of employment and a key contributor to inclusive growth”.

“MSMEs not only help put food on the table for many households but, when they grow, they also create jobs, helping to reduce unemployment,” she explained. 

Recognising the success of many economies around the world that thrive on robust MSME sectors, Mnukwa said the government has taken a similar approach by establishing a dedicated Department of Small Business Development.

She added that the government’s commitment extends beyond national programs, with provincial and municipal structures playing a key role in ensuring that MSMEs receive the necessary support to incubate growth and sustain themselves. 

“Provincial departments bridge a gap by assisting MSMEs in areas not reached by national programs. Additionally, local municipalities have established Local Economic Development units to offer financial aid and guidance at a community level. 

“The three spheres of government work together to ensure comprehensive coverage, extending their reach to support as many small businesses as possible across the country,” she said.

The government’s MSMEs strategy, the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development Framework (NISED), is also designed to address inequalities. The 6th Parliament also passed the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill which was signed into law by the President to advocate for the interests of small enterprises.

“There are special programs specifically aimed at previously disadvantaged groups, as well as businesses operating in rural or township areas, to tackle both unemployment and inequality,” she said.

Financial and non-financial support

Mnukwa highlighted key funding mechanisms available to MSMEs through the Department of Small Business Development. 

“The Department of Small Business Development, along with its merged entities – the Small Enterprise Development Agency and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, now known as the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency – now offers a single point of access for both financial and non-financial support, simplifying the process for entrepreneurs.” 

The non-financial support includes capacity building, training, and assistance with business plans.

Financial support is provided through various funding models, including grants, blended finance (a mix of grants and loans), and low-interest loans with favourable rates compared to ordinary banks. 

In addition to these broad initiatives, there are sector-specific programs, such as the Small Enterprise and Manufacturing Program, which funds working capital and equipment for manufacturing enterprises, and the Spaza-Shop Support Programme targeted at township and rural entrepreneurs who own spaza shops, general dealers or grocery stores.

There is also the Amavulandlela Funding Scheme grant which offers an opportunity for South Africans with disabilities to enter the mainstream economy and build qualifying entrepreneurial enterprises. The grant provides credit facilities that range from a minimum of R50 000 to a maximum of R15 million.

“Each of these programs has different qualifying criteria, so it’s essential for applicants to check the specific requirements. However, at the informal level, such as in informal settlements, there are fewer requirements. Entrepreneurs don’t need to be registered with SARS [South African Revenue Service] or have a business bank account: if they have a valid ID, a personal bank account, and a trading certificate from the municipality, they can qualify. 

“This is based on the recognition that many of us were raised by mothers who supported us by selling vegetables or ‘amagwinya’ [vetkoek] on the streets, contributing significantly to the economy,” Mnukwa said.

Youth and women empowerment 

The Acting DG also stressed the importance of empowering the youth and women within the MSME space. 

The National Youth Development Agency – located in the Presidency – plays a pivotal role in supporting young entrepreneurs by offering both financial support and training to equip them with the skills to manage their businesses effectively.

In addition, the SheTrades program provides vital support to women-owned businesses, enabling them to access both domestic and international markets. The program assists women entrepreneurs with certifications, product listings at major retailers like Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick n Pay, and opens doors to new trading opportunities.

Agricultural and rural enterprise support

Mnukwa highlighted the work being done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development to support smallholder farmers and rural enterprises. 

These efforts provide farmers with equipment, training, and market linkages, contributing to the broader goal of building an inclusive economy. She added that the government’s large-scale land restitution and redistribution program is also making headway, with 24% of South Africa’s farmland now owned by black farmers.

The comprehensive support for small businesses, Mnukwa emphasised, is not limited to financial aid but includes extensive training, mentorship, and market access initiatives. “The government is deliberate in ensuring that small businesses, especially those from disadvantaged communities, have access to the tools they need to grow and succeed,” she said.

There is also the National Rural Youth Service Corps programme which targets unemployed rural youth aged between 18 and 25 in possession of Grade 12 as part of the rural economy transformation strategy.

“The programme develops the skills of targeted participants through various skills development initiatives in partnership with other public and private sector institutions.

“It exposes participants to different skills fields which focus on instilling a culture of discipline, patriotism, community service as well as technical and vocational skills that equip participants with skills in construction, agriculture, household profiling, welding and records management amongst others,” she said. 

Through these varied programs and a strong focus on inclusivity, Mnukwa said the government aims to ensure that MSMEs continue to drive South Africa’s economic growth and create jobs, helping to reduce unemployment and address long-standing inequalities. – SAnews.gov.za

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SPONSORED: The South African government is prioritising support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Here’s how they’re driving economic growth: #Government #MSMEs #ERRP #SmallBusinessOwners.

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Former Head of Department, Bailey Mahlakoleng pleads guilty after flouting PFMA relating to SA Express corruption case   

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Picture: Former Head of Department (HoD) at the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Bailey Mahlakoleng/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 November 2024- Former Head of Department (HoD) at the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Bailey Mahlakoleng (56), pleaded guilty to contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) relating to the SA Express matter. Mahlakoleng made a guilty plea in the North West High Court on 22 November 2024, and was subsequently sentenced. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said his sentencing emanates from an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation into allegations of flouting procurement processes when the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management entered into a contract with SA Express in 2015 to provide airline services for the province.

Gunya said reports indicate that in 2014, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), resolved to revitalise the Mahikeng and Pilanesberg Airports to accommodate the transportation of passengers and goods.

“Subsequent to this, a meeting was held in August 2014, attended by MECs and other high-ranking government officials, where six airlines made presentations about flight services they could offer the province.

“Following the meeting, Mahlakoleng prepared and sent a memorandum to the province’s EXCO, putting forward SA Express as the preferred service provider. The memorandum reportedly sought approval from the province’s EXCO,” he said.

Gunya further said upon entering into a five-year contract with the department, SA Express appointed three different management companies for ground handling services. He added that in terms of the agreement, the department had to pay an amount of approximately R409 million to SA Express and management companies over a five-year period.

“The contract ended after three years, and at this stage, the department had suffered a loss of R186 million. Over R83 million was paid to the three management companies.

“It was discovered during the investigation that no ground handling services were rendered by the appointed companies. Further probe revealed that three other accused, whose matters are before court, have unduly benefited from the funds paid to SA Express,” said Gunya.

He said as an accounting officer, Mahlakoleng failed to follow proper procurement processes when appointing SA Express. Gunya said he was arrested in September 2022, and released on bail.

“After making a series of court appearances, the accused entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State on three PFMA charges. Mahlakoleng has offered to plead guilty in respect of Section 38 of the PFMA charges on condition that he receives a non-custodial sentence, which was accepted by the state.

“The main reasons for accepting the plea offer were that he did not receive any of the stolen funds and he is a first offender and acted under pressure when he yielded to the instruction from his political bosses not to follow correct procurement procedures when SA Express was appointed,” said Gunya.

He said Mahlakoleng was sentenced to two years imprisonment or R200 000 fine. Gunya said a further five years imprisonment, suspended for a period of five years on condition that during the suspension, he is not found guilty of contravening PFMA or an offence of which dishonesty is an element.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing. They have commended collaborative work between the two entities in ensuring that the accused is brought to justice.

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Modutung’s murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and arson case back in court

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Picture: A RDP house belonging to the late traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu  

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 November 2024- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, will resume in Taung Magistrate’s Court today.

Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The decision on bail application of Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe, is expected to be announced today. Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo were denied bail.   

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.

“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.

“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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Melaetsa ya matshidiso e tsweletse go goroga morago ga go tlhokafala ga Ompabaletse Kalamore

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Ompabaletse Kalamore/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Melaetsa ya matshidiso e tsweletse go goroga go lelapa la ga Kalamore kwa Pudimoe, gaufi le Taung. Se se tla morago ga go tlhokafala ga ngwana wa bone, Ompabaletse Kalamore (28), yo a ileng a amega mo kotsi ya sejanaga.

Go begwa fa Kalamore a ne a le mo sejanageng sa sepodisi, ga mmogo le bangwe ba badiri fa ba ne ba amega mo kotsi ya sejanaga kwa tsela-kgolo ya R503 gaufi le Rooigrond kwa Mahikeng ka Labotlhano.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Amanda Funani, Kalamore one a le mo tseleng ya go thapiwa jaaka motlhakedi wa sepodisi, morago ga go tsenela diteko tsa boitekanelo kwa Potchefstroom. Funani are, Kalamore one a na le bangwe ba badiri go ya Mahikeng.  

“Re ka bega fa tekesi ya sepodisi ya modiro wa Toyota Quantum e e neng e labile kwa Mahikeng, e thulane le sejanaga sa poraevete sa Volkswagen Polo se seneng se lebile ntlheng ya Lichtenburg. Kalamore o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, fa Konstabole Lucas Sekhwela (32), a ne a tlhokafala moragonyana kwa bookelong jwa porofense jwa Mahikeng.

“Bapalami ba le bararo, ba ile ba bona dikgobalo tse di masisi, mme ba amogetswe kwa bookelong. Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Volkswagen Polo, le ene o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong. Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Funani wa tlhalosa.  

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o rometse melaetsa ya matshidiso go ba malapa a latlhegetsweng, mme o eleletsa ba ba boneng dikgobalo pholo ya ka bonako.

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Fourteen illegal miners resurface at Stilfontein mine shaft

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Picture: Fourteen illegal miners resurface at Stilfontein mine shaft

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 November 2024- Fourteen illegal miners have resurfaced at shaft 10, which is linked to shaft 11 at Buffelsfontein in Stilfontein. It is alleged that 14 illegal miners who resurfaced last night, are all Mozambicans and are in detention.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe alleged that this proves that these illegal miners are not trapped. Mathe said they just refuse to resurface.

“They chose to come out late at night thinking the police are no longer standing static. Others ran back into the shaft as soon as they noticed the police presence. The media can go to the scene for videos and pictures.

“The operations continue and amongst these illegal miners, is a boy (14). They have confirmed what police have always been saying, that firstly there is no one trapped, and that there are 10 heavily armed Basotho nationals who are guarding them and making them dig for gold,” she said.

Mathe further said these illegal miners claimed that the food and water that was taken down was all confiscated by these Basotho guards and none of them were allowed to eat or drink. She added that they are instead forced to work for the food and water.

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West lambasted the Minister of Department of Minerals Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who allegedly refused to visit the mine shaft and referred to it as a ‘crime scene’. COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said they were not surprised by the stuns and actions of Mantashe and this confirms that, the country is now deteriorating into a police state, where leaders of the state are willing to unleash the police and the military without first hearing their side of the story.

“We are also not surprised because the DMR is suspect number one on the crime taking place there, as they are the ones who have failed to transform and regulate the mining industry as they are required by the law. We have observed with disappointment that the DMR is only interested in mining, which is still active.

“They have less interest in making sure that the land where mining was taking place can be used for other purposes post mining. We call on Mantashe to step up to his responsibilities as per the law and make sure that all mining companies adhere to the law and they meet their obligations during the duration of their active mining period and post mining,” he said.

Konopi said it is critical that DMRE exert its legal authority and hold the delinquent mining companies accountable for their failure to fulfil their legal obligations to close and secure old mines as well as to rehabilitate them.  He said the number of such mines are estimated to be in their thousands and DMR is only able to tackle a handful annually. 

“Companies which fail to do so must be sanctioned as per the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, including fines and suspension of their licenses.

The police must not be expected to tackle this mammoth task on their own, whilst the mining companies and DMRE fail to act.

“This is a matter of urgency, given the dangers those mines pose to workers and communities and the rampant levels of crime that neighbouring communities are being subjected to as these matters of anarchy and lawlessness are getting out of control,” said Konopi.

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Christiana School for the Blind caretaker in court for allegedly raping a learner

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Picture: The rape accused, Mothelesi Tau/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 November 2024- A man (38) who allegedly raped a Grade 8 learner at Christiana School for the Blind, is set to appear in court today. It is alleged that, Mothelesi Tau, who is working as caretaker at the school, raped a female learner in the office at the administration block.

According to our highly-placed source at the school, this is not the first incident allegedly being reported against Tau. Our source alleged that, however, the school management of the school swept other incidents under the carpet to protect him.

“Truly speaking, a lot is happening at the school. I think this is the third rape incident that took place at the school. Other incidents were swept under the carpet because they were protecting each other. I do not think Tau was the only one doing this.

“What is surprising is that, when Tau was on duty, used condoms were found. There are allegations that he also engaged in sexual activities with boys too. At some point he allegedly attempted to rape a member of School Governing Body (SGB), but nothing was done about it,” our source said.   

It is alleged that the affected learner is now under reprisal from the school principal for reporting the incident.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A rape case was opened against Tau on 18 November 2024. According to our records, this is the first incident reported at the school.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge the serious allegations pertaining to the reported rape case at Christiana School for the Blind. Molokwane said they unequivocally condemn this incident and wish to reassure the community that justice will be vigorously pursued.

“The case was reported by a Grade 8 learner, who informed both a teacher and the principal of the incident. Following this report, a formal case was initiated and registered with the Christiana SAPS.

“In response to the allegations, the individual identified as a general worker was arrested on the same day. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the department has recommended the precautionary suspension of the individual, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary processes,” he said.

Molokwane further said their primary concern is the safety and well-being of all learners. He added that they are committed to providing support to the affected learner, while ensuring a comprehensive investigation.

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Illicit cigarettes worth R1.6m seized, two Zimbabweans nabbed

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R1.6m seized/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024– Two Zimbabwean foreign nationals aged 47 and 50, were arrested for being in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1.6 million. The suspects were arrested but the Potchefstroom Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, and Ventersdorp Visible Policing during a crime intelligence-led operation 22 November 2024.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, Ventersdorp Visible Policing received a tip-off regarding a suspicious Volvo Truck, that was traveling from Rustenburg to Gauteng Province. Funani said a follow-up was made, and the truck was spotted and stopped along the R30 road for a search.

“During the search, the police discovered 124 boxes containing 50 cartons of Remington gold cigarettes worth R1.6 million inside the truck. As a result, two suspects were arrested after failing to account for the possession.

“The pair is expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the units involved for working together in the fight against illicit economic activities. Kwena said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.

“The public is urged to report Crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.

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Four suspects nabbed for being in possession of unpolished diamonds

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Picture: Unpolished diamond confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024- Four men aged between 33 and 52, were arrested by the police duirng Operation Vala Umgodi in the Namakwa District. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected illegal diamonds.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, the multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi, comprising of proactive and combat teams of South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Namakwa District, received a tip-off regarding vehicles transporting alleged illegal miners from Koingnaas to Kleinzee on the R355 road during the early hours of Friday morning, 22 November 2024.

“The information was tactically operationalised and one of the vehicles was spotted along the R355 road, while the other one was intercepted while trying to evade the police. Upon searching the two vehicles, 25 suspected unpolished diamonds were found and confiscated.

“Four suspects were subsequently arrested. They were also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Laws,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the tireless efforts by Operation Vala Umgodi in combating illegal mining activities in the province. Otola said the members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App, or the 80600 10111 crime stop number.

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More than 167 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- More than 167 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The police in Northern Cape said these actions and activities with the emphasis on High density operations, commenced on 18 until 24 November 2024.

The northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these included Vehicle Control Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.

Shemane said during the weekly safer festive season operations, 167 suspects were arrested for crimes such as illegal possession of ammunition, dealing in drugs, assault common and GBH, murder, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, malicious damage to property and undocumented persons.

“Also, 40 VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2255 vehicles and 4323 persons were stopped and searched. The police closed 15 unlicensed liquor premises.

“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and liquor premises. mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. This has enhanced efforts to curb crime as we celebrate the festive season period,” he said.

Shemane further said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He added that during the operations, the police confiscated a firearm, ammunition, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and copper cables.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the police will be on high alert and the operations will continue undoubtedly during the festive season period and beyond. Otola said it will be all hands on deck, leaving no one behind during this period and beyond.

“We urge community members to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App when reporting criminal activities,” she said.

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Banyana Banyana coach over the moon after induction  

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she is grateful for the way her career has panned out after she was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on 20 November 2024. The induction into the South African Hall of Fame is the latest accolade for the revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach.

Ellis led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022, in Morocco – after several others she has been awarded in 2024 alone. She was inducted alongside several figures from South African football and said being among the distinguished football legends was very special.

The inductees included legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.

“To listen to their stories was absolutely amazing and incredible, and many people in the room could relate to that. I just need to thank a lot of people who were part of my journey because without their contribution, I wouldn’t be standing where I am.

“A special mention, of course, must go to the Banyana Banyana players, the staff, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol. I don’t work in isolation. I think it’s through their fantastic efforts that I’m able to stand up there,” said Ellis.

She further said, also, a big thank you to everyone out there that works in women’s sport and women’s football because we all know the challenges they face. Ellis added that, but through all of that, they are still able to perform on the international arena.

“Again, a big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support, and of course, the new player in women’s football, VW, who has come on board. All these partnerships make the game better and bigger, and also help it grow through their contribution.

“We can only get better and bigger from here onwards. Thank you to everyone. There are so too many to mention but thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. As they say, we’re not done yet. A special mention to my family who have always been there, always supporting me from afar. I want to say thank you to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, congratulated the Banyana Banyana coach on her latest accolade and said her star keeps shining brighter.

“Desiree has been an incredible ambassador for South African football and it is amazing and special to see her being recognised for her tireless effort and dedication to the game. Congratulations coach Desiree,” said Jordaan.

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