30/07/2026
BOPHELONG ENTREPRENEUR THABISO MTHABELA WINS JUNIOR BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
By Vaal News
BOPHELONG – Local entrepreneur Thabiso Mthabela has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to business after receiving the Junior Businessman of the Year Award at the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce Awards, held at Pont de Val on 25 July 2026.
Born and raised in Bophelong, Mthabela described the award as an honour and said it motivates him to continue striving for excellence.
"I feel honoured, recognised and appreciated. Awards are important for every individual doing a great job here in the Vaal. Being nominated alone motivates you to keep going and aim higher, so winning the award makes one a whole different person," he said.
Mthabela's entrepreneurial journey began after graduating with an Information Technology Diploma . Unable to secure employment, he chose to create opportunities instead.
"What drives me is purpose. I graduated with an IT Diploma from Vaal University of Technology and couldn't find a job, so I decided to create jobs instead of waiting for one," he explained.
Starting with no funding four years ago, Mthabela launched a Gas LPG business that has since expanded to two branches serving different communities. He later entered the food industry, gaining experience as a pie shop manager before establishing Dolly's Pies and investing in a bicycle business.
Reflecting on his success, Mthabela said resilience has been the key to overcoming adversity.
"I don't just run two businesses that support each other—gas powers the pies, and my IT background helps me build systems for both. I've survived two business break-ins in consecutive months and a house robbery involving five armed men. They took money, but they couldn't take my mindset. I'm still standing, and I'm still employing 10 people," he said.
For Mthabela, his proudest achievement is the positive impact his businesses have made in the community by creating employment
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