Hombisa Mbokotho: the award-winning businesswoman transforming industries in South Africa

In the heart of South Africa's vibrant business ecosystem, Hombisa Mbokotho stands as a beacon of inspiration and success.

Hailing from the sleepy Enkozo village in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, Mbokotho has carved an impressive path through multiple sectors, establishing herself as a powerful force in consulting, IT, and food manufacturing.

Before setting forth on her entrepreneurial journey, Mbokotho built a strong foundation during a high-powered career that spanned over a decade.

Mbokotho told Business Report that the desire to create generational wealth and helping others from disadvantaged backgrounds to build sustainable businesses by helping them turn business concepts into bankable business cases and sustainable businesses was one of the reasons she stepped into the SME sector. 

She believes in a holistic approach that entails not just structuring solid business cases and linking entrepreneurs to capital but also helping aspiring entrepreneurs to build up capacity and becoming part of and eco system where there is continuous support and mentorship.

The 41-year-old said she was inspired to become an entrepreneur from her grandmother who was a widowed mother of 12 children.

"She raised and educated her children making a living as a small-scale farmer who did some crop farming and kept livestock and growing and selling cannabis, which was illegal at the time. She was also raised by a widowed mother of 3 who was a teacher by profession. Growing up and watching her mother struggle to provide for and put her kids through school birthed a desire within myself to change the narrative, not only for my family but for others with her community and the country at large," she said.

Her experiences in project finance, corporate finance, debt advisory, and public private partnerships have not only honed her skills but also solidified her status as an expert in smart procurement.

Mbokotho has contributed her expertise to notable institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority.

Equipped with a BCom Accounting Sciences from the University of Pretoria, a BCom Honours in Business Management from UNISA, and an Executive Development Programme in Business Leadership from Duke University, Mbokotho's academic credentials are just as impressive as her professional accomplishments. As a co-founder and director of several companies, she has embraced a hands-on approach to business, focusing on sectors crucial to the country's infrastructure and economic development.

• Tsori Capital CC: Founded in 2010, this integrated Pan-Corporate and Project Finance Advisory and Accounting Services consulting firm provides vital services to sectors including Water and Sanitation, Mining, Power, Manufacturing, Municipalities, Housing, and Transport. Tsori Capital counts major organisations such as IDC, Land Bank, Transnet, DBSA, and MTN among its clients.
• Ornecy (Pty) Ltd: Established in 2015, this proudly South African software development company has a footprint in ten African countries. Ornecy offers end-to-end cloud-based HR systems and payroll applications, designed locally with cutting-edge technology. Its clients include SALGA, IPSOS, and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. Ornecy is also recognised as a Microsoft ISV Partner.
• Sizani Foods (Pty) Ltd: Mbokotho holds shares in this food manufacturing company that has been producing vitamin-fortified powdered food products since 1994. Originally focused on feeding schemes across Africa, Sizani has expanded to include contract manufacturing, making strides towards improving nutritional offerings in communities.

Mbokotho's contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including her accolade as a winner of inspiringfiftySA in 2021, an initiative aimed at celebrating the most inspiring women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Her passion for structuring sustainable SMMEs and unlocking funding epitomises her commitment to fostering economic growth and promoting gender equity. Mbokotho firmly believes that meaningful economic participation by women is essential in building a more equitable society.

She said that cashflow issues, especially operating capital when payments would delay but operating costs still had to be paid was one of the main challenges in getting her businesses up and running. 

"Getting buy-in and participation by relevant stakeholders on projects targeted at specific economic sectors which are currently untapped by previously disadvantaged groups, albeit having the potential to unlock meaningful economic growth and create sustainable jobs," she said.

Beyond her professional engagement, Mbokotho is more than an entrepreneur; she is a culinary enthusiast and self-proclaimed “foodie,” taking pleasure in cooking. An avid reader and aspiring author, she also enjoys travelling, constantly seeking new experiences that enrich her worldview.

Mbokotho is not just a successful businesswoman; she is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of ambition, and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation. Her journey exemplifies that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to inclusivity, one can indeed shape the future of South Africa’s economy.

BUSINESS REPORT

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