1.1) Based on the case study, elaborate on the personal qualities Asanda Zondi possess that contribute to her success as an entrepreneur. (10) 1.2) Discuss how important is mentorship in the development of an entrepreneur such as Asanda Zondi? 1.3) Critically discuss how personal qualities of Asanda Zondi contributed to the success of a business venture? YOUNG uMlazi entrepreneur Asanda Zondi says her recent success with getting a major retail outlet to stock one of her products has spurred her on to dream even bigger. The 21-year-old Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, who is studying management accounting, established her company, Siqalosisha, in August 2021. It manufactures several cleaning products including bleach, dish washing liquid, washing powder and other detergents. Zondi said Spar in Pietermaritzburg Selgro Centre recently agreed to stock her dish washing liquid. "I am grateful to have had this opportunity, access to market has been my biggest challenge." She added that the idea of starting a company selling cleaning products came about during the Covid-19 pandemic when guidelines on hygiene became important. "While doing my research, I noticed how our retail stores had fewer than five hygiene brands, this made me realise the gap in the market," she said. Zondi said the guidance she was provided at the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was invaluable. "The centre helped me with registering my business and ensured I complied with the industry regulations. They offered business training, which helped me in understanding more about the business world. The business is a success because of the mentorship I received from the centre," she said. Asked about her future plans, Zondi said she wanted to supply her products to retail outlets within and outside the country in the next five years. "We will have our own manufacturing plant and we aim to employ the youth to help eradicate unemployment. I also want to expand the business and venture into other sectors. I want to open a centre in my neighbourhood which will assist the children with schoolwork and expose them to the opportunities outside the township of uMlazi," she said. Zondi said that despite negative talk about the economy, she remained positive. "I always look at the positive side of things and have hope that things will change." Zondi added that she would advise other young entrepreneurs to start small. "Don't be afraid of starting with whatever is available and to start small so that you gain experience. "Also be ready to persevere through all the challenges you will encounter," she said. Source: YOGASHEN PILLAY yogashen.pillay@inl.co.za