Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year – Nomsa Mazibuko

Nomsa Mazibuko from Visit Vakasha Guest Lodge in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga

On a very hot sweltering day, walking into Visit Vakasha was like a breath of fresh air.

Not only was I greeted by a bunch of friendly and happy faces, I was welcomed in as a friend, like someone they haven’t seen for a long time and were happy to catch up with.

From walking through the doors, it is evident that there is a positive vibe that rules within the walls of Visit Vakasha and through the staff’s interaction you can see that they feel at home.

No wonder the owner of this amazing establishment won the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Nomsa Mazibuko, who is 59 years young, felt honoured and extremely humbled after winning this prestigious award. She has been the owner and the “parent” of Visit Vakasha for the past 9 years.

When asked what she owed her success to, she made it very clear that her first and biggest thanks goes to God, for without Him she would not have been who she is today and certainly would not have made it this far.

Her family, friends and of course her amazing staff is her support network and she relies strongly on them for guidance, comfort and support.

She is extremely thankful towards Tsogo Sun for the program that they initiated and that they chose her as a candidate, she has learnt so much through this whole experience and for the support, guidance and investment that Tsogo Sun has extended to her business, she will be forever grateful.

Nomsa was one of six finalist chosen to go through to the final round of The Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurship programme and she walked out victorious.

Things are now so clear, we are now a 1^st class facility and we can only be more than amazing from here on. The award was handed to me, but this was a team effort, said Nomsa.

Her motto in life is; “Leave people better than how you find them. If you leave a room or a conversation you should always inspire, prickle change or motivate greatness. Never just leave them the same, you have the ability to change and you should do just that.”

She mentors many other guest house owners and young up and coming entrepreneurs and through her facility have started a program where they give preference to suppliers who are start-up companies – Giving them the opportunity to prove themselves and build up experience and credibility through this.

Winning this competition has renewed her passion and just added more to the flame already burning bright in her heart.

The future flame for Visit Vakasha is also now brighter than ever and they are planning on franchising the guest house in the near future.

Our congratulations go out to Nomsa and her amazing team, it is clear that this win was well deserved and we cannot wait to see what Visit Vakasha will do next.

Follow Visit-Vakasha Guest Lodge on Facebook or visit their website at www.visitvakasha.co.za.

Article by: Nicci Gates