The businesses behind many of the visitor experiences on Cape Town’s most iconic landmark took centre stage last week as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) celebrated local entrepreneurs helping strengthen the city’s tourism economy.
From left to right: Derek Hanekom, former Minister of Tourism, Shannon Boyd, Entrepreneur and Founder of Casbo and Rianda Williams, the Executive Manager for Retail and Ticketing at Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC)/Supplied
Hosted in partnership with enterprise and supplier development specialists Siyakha, the annual Supplier Development and Supplier Excellence Awards recognised small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and services across the tourism value chain.
The awards also marked more than a decade of collaboration between TMACC and Siyakha, a partnership focused on helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses through mentorship, coaching and practical skills development.
Participating businesses receive support across a range of areas, including governance, compliance, financial management, branding, pricing, operational planning, market access and supplier readiness. The aim is to equip small businesses with the tools needed to compete within formal supply chains and achieve long-term growth.
Selma Hercules, Executive Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, said investing in local suppliers ultimately strengthens the visitor experience while contributing to a more resilient tourism sector.
“Our suppliers play an essential role in every visitor’s experience on Table Mountain. By investing in their growth, we are strengthening local businesses, deepening long-term partnerships and contributing to a more resilient tourism sector,” she said.
Michael Johnstone, Lead Consultant for Small Business Development at Siyakha, added that the programme focuses on building businesses that can thrive well beyond securing a single contract.
“Our role is to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, systems and confidence to grow. The goal is not simply to help them secure one contract, but to support businesses that can continue creating opportunities and jobs well into the future.”
Recognising local success
Among the businesses recognised through the Supplier Development Programme were Carlie’s Darlings, Halaal Hopper, Ngena eKasi Tours, Vision2 Telecommunications, Ecco Med, NCC Environmental Services, Skona Clothing, Vetkat Art Foundations and Heritage on the Move.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of companies participating in TMACC’s Supplier Excellence Programme.
Following targeted mentorship and business development support, the 12 participating businesses improved their average assessment score from 83.3% to 88.5%. Several achieved scores above 90%, while one business earned a perfect 100%, reflecting strong performance in governance, operational capability, financial management, service delivery and professionalism.
This year’s award winners included:
- Highest Ranking Award: Vision2 Telecommunications
- Most Improved Award: Woodland Designs
- Environmental Impact Award: Lilly Loompa Creative
- Overall Business Award: Casbo Trading
Stories of resilience
One of the evening’s standout moments recognised Shannon Boyd, founder of Casbo Trading, who rebuilt her business after losing everything during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her determination has transformed Casbo Trading into an award-winning hospitality supplier, earning the company the Overall Business Award.
The Environmental Impact Award went to Lizl Naude, founder and creative director of Lilly Loompa Creative. Based in Klapmuts, the business gives new life to discarded materials by transforming waste into innovative branded products, demonstrating how sustainability and creativity can generate both environmental and social benefits.
As TMACC approaches its 100th anniversary of transporting visitors to the summit of Table Mountain, the company says it remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and ensuring Cape Town’s tourism economy continues to create opportunities for small businesses.
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