The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is celebrating the achievements of two remarkable women entrepreneurs who have been recognised at the Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2026, highlighting the growing contribution of women entrepreneurs from the region to innovation, business and community development.
Amanda Eve Mseleku, Founder and Director of Eve’s Lounge, was recognised in the Social Entrepreneurship category, while Nomcebo Nzimakwe, Founder and Managing Director of Sky Drop (Pty) Ltd, received the Science and Technology Award at the 10th Annual Gagasi FM Shero Awards.
Their achievements showcase the diversity of entrepreneurial talent emerging from the KZN South Coast, while demonstrating how businesses rooted in local communities can grow into impactful ventures.
From 10 Takeaways to a Growing Hospitality Brand, Mseleku’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2021 with just 10 takeaways prepared from a back room and delivered to a taxi rank. From there, the business progressed to a table at Estobhini before eventually developing into a Wendy house that became known as eMjondolo.
Today, Eve’s Lounge, based in Mthwalume, Mpompini Location, has grown into a business specialising in restaurant services, Shisanyama and catering, while also expanding into events, entertainment and lifestyle experiences.
The recognition follows another significant achievement for Mseleku, who was named Business Woman of the Year 2025 at The Next Billionaire Awards.
Looking ahead, she aims to expand Eve’s Lounge across KwaZulu-Natal, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists and young people while contributing to tourism, employment and local economic development.
Mseleku is also preparing to launch Ntomb’nkulu Wines, a new wine brand inspired by her roots, heritage and the woman who played an important role in her upbringing.
Turning Water Challenges into Innovation, For Nzimakwe, the Science and Technology Award recognises an entrepreneurial journey focused on one of society’s most fundamental needs access to clean and affordable drinking water.
Her journey in the water sector began in 2019 and has developed into Sky Drop, a water innovation business rooted in Port Shepstone, Gamalakhe and communities across the Ugu District.
Sky Drop specialises in water production, bottled and personalised drinking water and water refilling services. The company is also developing an innovative smart water refilling station incorporating atmospheric water generation, solar energy and smart technology, aimed particularly at underserved communities.
Nzimakwe has also achieved recognition through entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, including taking first position in KwaZulu-Natal at the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit, placing in the national Top 5 pitch in 2025 and being recognised among South Africa’s 100 Shining Stars in the Entrepreneur category.
Her long-term vision is to grow Sky Drop into a leading African water innovation company, expanding access to affordable water, creating employment and developing sustainable solutions to water scarcity and climate-related challenges.
Celebrating South Coast Entrepreneurship, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) welcomed the recognition of both entrepreneurs, noting that their journeys reflect the resilience, creativity and innovation that exist within communities across the region.
“The recognition of Amanda Mseleku and Nomcebo Nzimakwe is a proud moment for the South Coast. Their stories are very different, but both demonstrate what is possible when entrepreneurial vision is combined with resilience, innovation and a commitment to community,” said the SCTIE CEO.
“These awards also reinforce the importance of creating an enabling environment for women-owned businesses, particularly those emerging from our rural communities. Their success contributes not only to their individual businesses, but to job creation, local economic development, tourism and the broader growth of the region.”
SCTIE continues to support the positioning of the KZN South Coast as a destination for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship and innovation, while promoting opportunities that contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The success of Mseleku and Nzimakwe provides further inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the region demonstrating that major achievements can emerge from humble beginnings and that local ideas can have a much broader impact.
Rediscover Unlimited Opportunities on the KZN South Coast!
Find out more about these and other investment options by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
Get in Touch
Find out more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app; visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Follow the hashtags #rediscoverunlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investmentopportunities #buylocal #supportlocal
