Startup Story

Siyamthanda Maya is the founder of ZAS Petroleum, a licensed wholesaler of petroleum products specialising in imports of Crude, Diesel and Unleaded petrol, as well as exports of diesel and lubricants. She is a seasoned business professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in both Utility Management and the Oil and Gas sector. Siya is a personification of diligence, determination, and skill, attributes which have contributed to her current achievements. She has successfully founded and run two energy entities and led Multi-Billion-rand infrastructural programs. A big believer in credible skills transfer and development, Siya is a supporter of women skills development and community enablement. She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Startup Story

Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of Hakem Energies in South Africa, continues to grow as a visionary entrepreneur with proven business savvy and qualities. Harnessing her business acumen, she founded her businesses in monopolized industries and established them as high-growth start-ups which are highly recognized and are now medium and large businesses. Her purpose is about impacting and empowering the lives of ordinary people through her work because she believes that when individuals are empowered and self-sufficient, they can go back to their communities and replicate that impact. She loves to spend time mentoring, coaching, and sharing her journey with upcoming entrepreneurs as part of her paying it forward. The business has created jobs for 9 local people.