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Winner of the 2016 Pioneering Spirit Competition

2 Mar 2016

Vusi Thembekwayo and Three Ships Whisky have selected Lumko Mpande (27) from Tembisa, as the top entrepreneur in the 2016 Pioneering Spirit Competition. His prize includes a R100,000 capital injection to boost his business and an all-expenses-paid mentorship with Thembekwayo, one of South Africa's most successful entrepreneurs and motivational speakers.

Andy Watts, (Three Ships master distiller); Vusi Thembekwayo; Lumko Mpande (winner); and Liezl Dippenaar (Three Ships marketing manager)

Mpande, a call centre supervisor who started Bumka Scooter Rentals on the side, rents out four 125CC motorbikes to businesses such as Debonairs and sandwich shops within a 12km radius of Tembisa. He joined four finalists on 26 February at the James Sedgwick Distillery where they were put to the test by presenting their business plans to Vusi and Three Ships master distiller, Andy Watts.

“I bought my first motorbike to save on travelling costs. With many businesses utilising motorbikes for deliveries I saw a gap in the market to rent out a few scooters and motorbikes to service the area of Tembisa. My ultimate dream is to offer my hometown KwaNdebele, in Mpumalanga, such a service, as the township does not enjoy the same benefits as most of those in Gauteng. I would like to start something there too that would improve life in the area.

“I have had to make many sacrifices to make it this far. I rent a very small room in my effort to save as much money as I can to plough back into my business. I paid cash for all my motorbikes by maintaining a very simple lifestyle. Many entrepreneurs in South Africa are too afraid to take calculated risks. I believe that with the right attitude, sacrifice and belief in yourself, you can reach the highest you are destined for.”

Mpande aims to use the R100,000 in realising his goal of owning 200 motorbikes, delivering online orders and small packages nationwide. He is looking forward to spending time with Vusi and benefitting from his enormous wisdom and experience.