By Delisa Thwala
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards winner Sibusiso Bartjies of Datamatics says investing in technology inventory systems is key to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
On Friday, Baartjies of Datamatics Eswatini was crowned by His Majesty King Mswati III for being the overall winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
His innovation, dedication, and hard work set him apart. SEDCO was proud to celebrate his remarkable achievement and contribution to the country’s economy.
Baartjies said his winning was all God’s plan and blessing, he said everything was dedicated to God.
When speaking on entrepreneurship, he said technology has made it possible for small businesses to streamline their operations, improve their products and services, motivate customer behaviour, reduce costs, and increase productivity, among other benefits.
“Small businesses play a pivotal role in shaping local economies, and technology plays an equally vital role in shaping small businesses.
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Today, it is no longer a question of whether a small business should embrace technology; it is a matter of how they can effectively do so to reap the benefits,” said the EYA winner.
Baartjies further said in today’s fast-paced business landscape, technology has evolved from being a mere luxury to a necessity for small businesses.
He said these enterprises, often characterized by their agility and personalized services, must leverage technology to remain competitive and meet the ever-evolving demands of modern consumers.
His Majesty King Mswati III crowned the Datamatics Eswatini, owned by Sibusiso Baartjies, as the overall winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024.
Datamatics walked away with a brand new Toyota Hilux worth E600 000 and E80 000 in cash prizes for being a National Most Techno savvy business and Hhohho regional winner.
Datamatics specializes in the provision of IT Services, specifically geographic information and management information systems.
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It was established in 2012 and currently employs 7 people.“ I was inspired to see persons living with disabilities are also excelling in this competition as seen with the participation of one visually impaired entrepreneur and another with motion impediments.
This is a challenge to the able-bodied, what excuse do you have for not venturing into business,” said His Majesty.
He further said the winning company provides them with a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on the role that entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in the kingdom of Eswatini.
His Majesty the King said he looks forward to the day that emaSwati runs billionaire empires.
“ We wish to urge you to seize the vast opportunities that lie beyond our borders by making sure that you position yourselves strategically in accessing the regional and global markets open to you,” said the King.
His Majesty then congratulated the winners of this year’s awards. Saying their success is a testament to their hard work, ingenuity, and determination.
The King urged them to shine and keep up their good work. Saying this was not the end; but just the beginning.
Other winners included Nkosephayo Handicraft (Outstanding Street Vendor), Maphindi’s Grocery (Outstanding Living with Disability and Shiselweni Regional winner), Buhle Bem-Africa (Outstanding Handicraft Business and Thomas M Greens Investments (Outstanding Green Business).
Others: Co-Creator Investments (Most Innovative Business), Eswatini Coffee (Outstanding Agribusiness), Selene Investments t/a LUNA Hair + Body (Outstanding Women-owned business), Du Pont Security Services (Outstanding Youth-owned business & Lubombo Regional winner) and Freightlux (Manzini Regional Winner).
