TMACC Celebrates Local Entrepreneurs Driving Cape Town’s Tourism
TMACC Celebrates Local Entrepreneurs Driving Cape Town’s Tourism. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has honoured a group of entrepreneurs and small businesses for their contribution to Cape Town’s tourism economy through its annual Supplier Development and Supplier Excellence Awards.
Hosted in partnership with enterprise and supplier development specialist Siyakha, the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated growth in governance, sustainability, operational performance and overall business development after participating in TMACC’s supplier support initiatives.
The programme forms part of TMACC’s long-running commitment to strengthening local enterprises and creating opportunities for small businesses to participate in the tourism value chain. According to the company, the partnership with Siyakha has supported entrepreneurs for more than a decade through mentorship, business coaching and practical supplier development.
Businesses enrolled in the programme receive support across several areas, including governance, compliance, financial management, operational planning, branding, pricing, market access and supplier readiness. The objective is to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that are better positioned to compete within formal supply chains.
Selma Hercules, Executive Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, said investing in suppliers contributes to both business growth and the broader 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, said the programme is designed to help entrepreneurs develop businesses that can continue creating employment and economic opportunities beyond a single contract.
According to TMACC, 12 businesses participated in this year’s Supplier Excellence Programme, increasing their average assessment score from 83.3% to 88.5% after receiving targeted mentorship and development support. Several businesses achieved assessment scores above 90%, while one participant recorded a perfect score of 100%.
Businesses recognised through the Supplier Development Programme included 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.
This year’s award winners were Vision2 Telecommunications, which received the Highest Ranking Award; Woodland Designs, which earned the Most Improved Award; Lilly Loompa Creative, recognised with the Environmental Impact Award; and Casbo Trading, which received the Overall Business Award.
TMACC highlighted the journey of Casbo Trading founder Shannon Boyd, who established the business after losing everything during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company has since grown into a hospitality supplier and was recognised as this year’s top-performing business.
The Environmental Impact Award went to Lizl Naude, founder and Creative Director of Lilly Loompa Creative, whose Klapmuts-based business transforms waste materials into branded products through upcycling.
As TMACC approaches its centenary, the company said it remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and ensuring that tourism continues to create opportunities for businesses across Cape Town.
