BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NHLANGANO– A young entrepreneur’s determination, resilience and innovative spirit have earned her the highest honour in the Shiselweni region after EPOWER Hardware, owned by Hlobsile Dlamini, was named the Overall Regional Winner at the Shiselweni Entrepreneur of the Year Awards held at Phumula Guest House in Nhlangano on August 3, 2026.
The Nhlangano CBD-based business, which specialises in the supply of hardware products and services, emerged victorious after impressing judges with its business achievements, ethical business practices, resilience and commitment to community development.
In addition to securing the top prize, EPOWER Hardware was also recognised as the Regional Outstanding Youth-Owned Business, bringing Dlamini’s total winnings to E30 000.
She received E20 000 and a certificate as the Overall Regional Winner and a further E10 000 and a certificate for winning the youth entrepreneurship category.
The awards marked the conclusion of the regional phase of the 20th anniversary edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards programme, which is being held under the theme “20 Years of Nurturing Future Growth.”
For Dlamini, the recognition is a testament to years of dedication, innovation and hard work. EPOWER Hardware has invested in modern record-keeping systems to strengthen its accounting processes and has also implemented occupational health and safety measures aimed at improving efficiency and creating a safer working environment.
The company has distinguished itself through an innovative marketing strategy that includes partnerships with local electricians, customer referral programmes, cashback incentives and discounted offers, all of which have helped strengthen the business and broaden its reach across the region.
Addressing guests during the ceremony, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo praised Shiselweni entrepreneurs for demonstrating that ambition and innovation know no geographical boundaries.
“This is the fourth and final region my Ministry has stood in for during this 20th anniversary edition, and it feels fitting that this journey ends here,” he said.
Khumalo noted that although Shiselweni is the country’s smallest region by population, it continues to demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurial potential.
“Here in Shiselweni, we find proof that a region’s population has never determined the scale of its ambition,” he said.
The minister revealed that Shiselweni contributed 93 applications out of the 362 applications received nationally, making it the second-highest contributing region in the country.
He further highlighted that women-owned enterprises accounted for more than 70 per cent of applications from the region, while Shiselweni recorded the highest number of handicraft businesses among all four regions.
Meanwhile, SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Khethiwe Mhlanga commended entrepreneurs for their determination and commitment to creating opportunities in their communities.
“You are all winners today, and your contributions matter not only to your own success but also to the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom,” said Mhlanga.
Shiselweni Regional Winners
- Outstanding Youth-Owned Business: EPOWER Hardware – Hlobsile Dlamini
- Outstanding Woman-Owned Business: DUDU’s Dressmaking and Fashion Design – Dudu Mabuza-Mkhaliphi
- Outstanding Agri-Business: Mozane Projects – Nokulunga Sibeko
- Most Tech-Savvy Business: Star Photo Printers – Sandile Ngwenya
- Outstanding Handicraft Business: Siphepho Investment – Ntombi Dlamini
- Outstanding Start-up Business: With Love Pharmacy – Ncobile Mathunjwa
- Outstanding Informal Sector Business: Nothi’s Bakery – Nothando Mayisela
- Outstanding Business Owned by a Person with Disabilities: ZIC Gallery – Mpendulo Brian Dlamini
- Overall Regional Winner: EPOWER Hardware – Hlobsile Dlamini
The event was made possible through the support of strategic partners, including FNB Eswatini and the FNB Foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the bank, FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani “TK” Dlamini reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting local businesses.
“As FNB Eswatini, we see ourselves as a responsible corporate citizen with a significant role to play in the upliftment of emaSwati, our communities and our beautiful Kingdom,” he said.
“We will continue to work with and invest in the growth of local SMEs because we believe they possess the potential to deliver products and services of a world-class standard.”
The regional winners will now advance to the national finals, where they will compete for the country’s highest entrepreneurial honour before His Majesty King Mswati III.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #EYA2026 #SEDCO #EntrepreneurOfTheYearAwards
(Courtesy Pic)
