SATSA Tourism Incubator Named Finalist at Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards 2025
The SATSA Tourism Incubator, implemented by Sigma International in partnership with City Lodge Hotels, was named a finalist in the Top Empowered Company: Enterprise and Supplier Development of the Year category at the Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards 2025.
Sharing the category with some of South Africa’s largest corporates, including Mondi, was a proud moment and a strong endorsement of the role tourism can play in meaningful enterprise development.
The Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards 2025 celebrate organisations driving transformation and empowerment across South Africa. This finalist recognition affirms the Incubator’s impact in supporting high-potential tourism SMMEs with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to grow.
Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo (CLH COO), Shamantha Moodley,Sigma International (GM: Operations),
Mapholo Ratau, Ledikana (Incubatee), Zandra Habana, Inkezo Industrial mining services (Incubatee),
Siya Sigcau, Pioneers in Organic Matters (Incubatee), Trusha Liddle, Point Squared Transfers and Tours (Incubatee),
Akash Singh, Sigma International (CEO), Tatia Jasina, Sigma International (Senior Business Advisor),
Buhle Magwentshu , Asmara Coffee (Incubatee)
Our thanks go to City Lodge Hotels for their unwavering partnership and belief in the value of inclusive tourism. Together with Sigma International, we continue to create pathways for emerging businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
Celebrating Our Alumni
This recognition is also about the entrepreneurs whose successes keep the Incubator’s legacy alive. Congratulations to Ubizo Events and Tours, a past participant, for winning the SAACI Enkulu Award for Business – a shining example of the programme’s lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
The Incubator remains committed to raising the bar for innovation and transformation in tourism. While the award went to another deserving recipient, the real win lies in the growing visibility of inclusive tourism and the community of changemakers we’re building – one business at a time.
If you'd like to find out more about the SATSA Tourism Incubator, contact Akash Singh at akash@sigmaintl.co.za
