South Africa: Malapane Mmathapelo Ephenia

Malapane Mmathapelo Ephenia, an established entrepreneur from Greater Tzaneen Municipality and owner of Bokama Business Enterprise, highlighting how participating in the Sunrise Campaign strengthened her confidence, independence, and business skills. Through life skills and entrepreneurship training, she gained knowledge in gender equality, financial management, customer service, and record‑keeping, which enabled her to grow a food business producing achaar, chips, and sphahlo (kota) in the village of Moime. Despite major challenges such as prolonged electricity outages and limited access to funding, she demonstrated resilience by adapting her operations, focusing on her achaar products, refining pricing strategies, and maintaining strong customer relationships. 

The business has increased household income, attracted a growing customer base through flyers and social media, and is supported by clear plans to diversify products, improve sustainability through alternative energy solutions, and expand to new markets over the next six months.