By Sizwe Dlamini
Lucky ‘Slomo’ Dlamini, often referred to as Eswatini’s youngest millionaire has so much faith in the potential of local business owners.
In a recent address at the Revenue Blueprint Masterclass held at the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) auditorium in Ezulwini, Dlamini shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey and discussed the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.
He expressed concern about the government’s tendency to prioritize foreign companies for tenders, leaving local businesses at a disadvantage.
“I support local companies; as we speak, I have taken the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) to court because I stand for local companies, and they should prioritize local companies over foreign ones for tenders. By the grace of God, we are the only local company that has designed the relevant software to aid two local elections. After completing the elections, His Majesty asked to see which foreigner was helping us, and we said we are all local EmaSwati working at Slomoes. Additionally, we are one of the few local companies’ that compete for tenders with international companies,” he said.
Dlamini also highlighted the absence of government support for local businesses, particularly in terms of educational grants and initiatives to improve employee skills.
Drawing from his own experience, he shared how his personal investment in the education of 28 employees since the founding of Slomoes Corpoation in 2010 has been critical to the company’s growth.
“Education is very important, I have personally invested my own money in the education of 28 employees at Slomoes since its founding in 2010. In other countries governments provide educational grants for their employees to further their skills, Eswatini lacks such initiatives and this hinders local economic growth,” he said.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Dlamini’s company has experienced remarkable growth. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial path, he explained, “I firmly believe in practical experience. I have never asked for a formal business plan from anyone. If anybody wants a business plan from me, I request a meeting as I am the business plan,’ he said.
Concluding his address, Dlamini encouraged local businesses to prioritize compliance as an essential part of their growth.
“I urge all local companies to ensure they are compliant,” Dlamini advised. “It is a crucial step in building a sustainable and thriving business.”