2024 has been a year of transformation for Zevoli Growth Partners, a year defined by growth, learning, and meaningful impact. To close the year on a high note, we wrapped up the 10^th episode of Zevoli Round Corner, where our Business Solutions Manager Lebogang Mashego and our Managing Director, Mpopi Khupe, took a moment to reflect on the journey so far.

Here’s what stood out in our reflections on a year that reaffirmed our commitment to empowering MSMEs and driving inclusive growth.

 

Celebrating Entrepreneurship

November was a special month for Zevoli as it marked both Global Entrepreneurship Month’s 10^th anniversary and the conclusion of our 10^th Zevoli Round Corner episode. For us, entrepreneurship isn’t just about innovation, it’s about resilience, problem-solving, and creating sustainable businesses that thrive.

 

As Mpopi put it:

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about being the next Uber or inventing something groundbreaking. If your business generates income, is managed sustainably, and turns a profit, you’re an entrepreneur. That definition must be broad enough to include everyone, from lifestyle entrepreneurs to gig workers.”

 

This inclusive view reflects our ethos at Zevoli: entrepreneurship should be accessible to all, regardless of location or industry. That’s why we’ve remained committed to supporting MSMEs across rural, peri-urban, and township communities.

 

2024: Lessons from the Journey

Looking back on the year, Mpopi described the experience as humbling, both in its challenges and its triumphs.

“Running a business is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a constant balancing act between planning for the future and navigating unpredictability. At Zevoli, we’ve learned to ride the waves rather than fight them,” she shared.

This year taught us that growth comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. From launching new programmes to expanding existing ones, every challenge pushed us to grow not just as a business, but as individuals.

 

The Evolution of Zevoli Round Corner

When we launched Zevoli Round Corner, our vision was simple: to create a platform for authentic conversations. The name itself symbolises the unpredictability of business, where a round peg doesn’t always fit into a square hole.

Instead of traditional presentations or pitches, Round Corner allows us to engage with our market more personally. It’s where we share expertise, address real questions, and shine a light on the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.

 

As Mpopi explained:

“It’s about being accessible. We want to have meaningful conversations, not just talk at people.”

 

Breaking Barriers and Driving Impact

One of our proudest achievements this year has been our approach to problem-solving. Whether reading between the lines of client RFPs or addressing unspoken needs, our work has consistently gone beyond compliance.

For Zevoli, enterprise and supplier development (ESD) isn’t about ticking boxes for B-BBEE scorecards, it’s about creating real, measurable impact.

 

“We don’t do ESD for points. We gain points because we create genuine impact,” Mpopi emphasised.

This mindset has allowed us to connect with entrepreneurs on a deeper level, particularly in rural and township areas. By pairing them with mentors and providing tailored support, we’ve helped businesses build resilience and grow sustainably.

 

Aligning with Global Goals

As we reflected on the frameworks shaping our industry, SDGs, ESG principles, and B-BBEE codes, a common thread emerged: fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable value creation.

 

“At their core, these frameworks aren’t separate ideas; they’re different expressions of the same principles,” Mpopi explained.

This integrated approach has been central to our strategy, ensuring that every initiative we undertake drives meaningful change.

 

A Decade of Growth

Zevoli’s 10-year journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From our early days to where we stand today, it’s been a constant evolution.

 

Using the metaphor of raising a child, Mpopi described the transition from being hands-on to trusting the team to lead: “At some point, you have to let go and trust that the people you’ve nurtured will take the reins. That’s how you truly grow—not just as a leader, but as an organisation.”

 

Looking Ahead

2024 was a year of significant milestones, but it was also a year of learning. We’ve seen the industry shift from a narrow focus on urban MSMEs to a broader, more inclusive approach.

As we look to 2025, our vision remains steadfast: to make supply diversity business as usual. For us, success is when businesses, big and small, are valued equally in the supply chain.

“Every year brings new lessons, and I’m eager to see how we’ll grow and adapt in the coming year,” Mpopi concluded.

 

Final Thoughts

As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the lessons learned, the lives touched, and the impact created. Here’s to another year of empowering MSMEs, promoting inclusivity, and driving meaningful change.

To our team, partners, and the entrepreneurs we work with, thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 even greater!