23 June 2020

Chivas Regal injects R240k into the entrepreneurial economy

Submitted by: Hlumelo Matshanda

Whisky brand Chivas Regal has officially wrapped up the final episode of its ‘Business Unusual’ Instagram TV series, having injected R240 000 into 9 small businesses and having unpacked the success and survival stories of 7 prolific South African entrepreneurs.

Hosted by seasoned entrepreneur and media personality, Andile Khumalo, the show provided a platform for various industry thought leaders to share their origin stories, business adventures and insights into how to survive as a business during the current COVID-19 context.

Senior Brand Manager at Chivas Regal, Blue Masoka says, “This series has taught us so much about the endless drive of our entrepreneurs. South Africa is a country alive with the entrepreneurial spirit and we were proud to play a role in this regard.”Over the course of the lockdown, ‘Business Unusual’ has hosted the likes of self-taught chef and popular YouTube personality Luyanda Mafanya; creative director and owner of Kgolo Projects, Kgolo Mthembu; and founder of Trove Wellness, Juanita Khumalo.

In addition to the insightful content, every week, Chivas Regal supported small businesses and budding entrepreneurs by giving away a share of the R240 000 in funding to help them with a much-needed cash injection. In its last episode on 10 June, Andile chatted to three small business owners about their businesses and the challenges they have faced and overcome during COVID-19.

“It’s a fitting end to a show inspired by small businesses. It’s been a journey and we’re proud to have been able to bring advice and assistance of R240 000 to local businesses who really need the help,” says Masoka. Masoka says, “At Chivas Regal, success is a blend. So, just as we blend whiskies to create an award-winning scotch, ‘Business Unusual’ blends new business challenges with expert advice.

I am always inspired by South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit.”All eight episodes of Business Unusual will be available on the Chivas Regal South Africa Instagram TV channel. “If there is one thing we know in these times, it’s that knowledge is power. I hope that these episodes will help hundreds more entrepreneurs find their feet and thrive in the times to come,” says Masoka. Masoka believes the winning entrepreneurs deserve one more opportunity to plug their businesses.

Below are the winning entrepreneurs of each episode of ‘Business Unusual’:

Episode 1 – Reneilwe Mojela of MRENEI Pty LTD offers laundry and cleaning services and cleaning products. MRN was established in 2019 by the founder Reneilwe Mojela with a dream to manufacture their own cleaning products and chemicals.

Episode 2 – Michelle Mokone of Mos Crib, an eccentric home décor design unit which specializes in manufacturing sustainable handmade décor items. At Mo’s they are passionate about the sustainability of the environment and that is where we draw our inspiration. They produce high-end quality homeware and decorative pieces which is practical and timeless and is inspired by nature, cultural diversity and ethnicity that is cultivated around the globe.

Episode 3 – Itumeleng Koloko of Art by Mamase, a platform that creates leaders through art, of underprivileged youngsters whom I train on the basics of art, finance, communications, sales and marketing to sustain themselves and pursue their dreams, as well as young enthusiasts while adding value to all stakeholders in communities.

Episode 4 – Mthobisi Mthimkhulu of Maqhinga Insurer was founded in 2019 with the sole desire and intention to bring humility, reassurance and dignity to home security to rural area residents. Maqhinga Insurer is a home insurer service provider in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Their insurance services strive to render home insurance products that provide cover to rebuild homes damaged from natural disaster including but not limited to fire, storms, hail and flood damage. Their products bring a sense of security to the poor stricken communities with low-cost monthly premiums.

Episode 5 – Tefo Mokgoro of Molly’s 3DR, a business that focuses on the fine-dining aspect of catering and gives a different edge to clients. There's not a lot of young players in this side of the business and setting our mark is what they are doing. Other aspects of the business include film set catering, cooking lessons, food styling, personal chef and corporate catering.

Episode 6 – Kgomotso Ramatlo of PKR Farming, a fully-fledged black female-owned farming operation that nurses, grows and supplies crops to customers. They operate from peri-urban Brakpan with a total supply capacity of 2-3 tons of spinach, 5 tons of beetroot, 15 000 cabbage heads and 800kg of sweet potato. Thanks