DISCOVER TWO CAPITEC MERCHANTS WHO'VE TURNED THEIR PASSIONS INTO THRIVING ENTERPRISES

From Italian pizza in Scottburgh to a mountain biking champion’s new family cycling venture, we celebrate the spirit of South African enterprises keeping our economy turning.

This festive season, it’s well worth cheering the resilience of those small and medium sized businesses, who despite the challenges, have helped keep the economy going and people employed.

Owner of The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig, Chris Nixon.

Businesses like The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig, owned by former South African Mountain Bike Champ, Chris Nixon, employs 11 people. It’s a spot where you can expect lots of family fun for young and old and options that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to pro. 

In the spirit of the holidays, Capitec’s Esona Ndongeni and Chandre Matlala got behind the handlebars and enjoyed a fun afternoon outdoors, learning the lay of the park and getting tips and trade secrets from the national treasure himself. 

Chris has been a merchant with Capitec since inception of the business, 6 years ago. For the bank, which took this entrepreneurial journey with Chris, the success of his youth oriented live better enterprise feels like a trophy won. 

Visit The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig, for bookings email bikeparkuitsig@gmail.com or call 081 833 4488.

“We started off with Capitec and they’ve been really good to us. I mean, I’ve never run a business before and appreciated how in the beginning, they came out and gave us all these things on how it’s going to work going forward and just ran us through the whole process. As a new business, you especially need that kind of input from them and understanding, along with the feedback that they give, once you’re up and running,” shares Christ about the relationship.

“They came and chatted to us a few times just to make sure we understood how the process works. And also integrating our online and our point of sale servicing, making clear how it works and how it connects to their bank. They’ve been really great as far as that’s concerned,” he adds.  

Another business with a recipe for prospering whatever the weather, is Enzo Tilli’s famed trattoria in Scottburgh, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Enzo’s skills are such that Esona and Chandre happily crossed the country to enjoy lunch at the Italian eatery. Little did they know that he’d be teaching them the art of making Italy’s famed margherita pizza, the authentic way. 

“This is a family run restaurant with a basic principle of giving people good quality food, bringing a bit of Italy to South Africa and always with value for money in mind,” shares Enzo.

He adds, “I think I got my love for food through my mother. And my dad being a builder, built our first pizza oven. Mom was in the back kitchen making pastas and I was in front of doing the pizzas. Having a pizza done in an authentic wood-burning oven is what pizza is to us. It’s what we’ve grown up with. The smokiness, the crispiness is what my clients enjoy and it’s what we know.”

Enzo started his business straight out of school and today provides employment to 20 individuals. Through years of some of the finest Margherita and Reginas in Scottburgh, one bank has been there – Capitec.

“I heard about Capitec when I moved down to KZN. They always check up on us. Always making sure we’ve got till rolls, and when we need help, they’re there for us. They’re impeccable. We get really great service,” exclaims Enzo.

Esona and Chandre called it a day by digging into the pizza’s they diligently created in Enzo’s kitchen. Now what could be better than sharing an authentic Italian pizza with friends this festive season, all the while supporting local business. 

For reservations at Enzo’s call 039 973 0298. Open Wednesday’s to Friday’s 3:30PM-8:30PM and Saturday’s and Sundays, 11:30AM-8:30PM.

STAND TO WIN

Stand a chance of winning R1000 Live Better cash prize to spend on the festive holiday adventure, lunch, dinner, gift or experience of your choice. Simply reply to the competition post on theinsidersa.co.za social media platforms using #LiveBetter. Ts&Cs apply and can be found on our competition page.

WATCH THE SEGMENT

CONNECT WITH CAPITEC

CONNECT WITH ENZO'S

CONNECT WITH THE BIKE PARK

ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK:

Zozibini Tunzi on a wetland safari in St. Lucia
Johan Badenhorst and Streicher Badenhorst explore the Cedarberg
Elvis Blue's family padstal
Kurt Darren and wife Dunay family getaway
Shudufhadzo Musida and Thato Mosehle vist Kruger Park