In South Africa’s fast-evolving clean energy sector, Busisiwe Zondo, founder of Mazondo Gas, is charting a bold path forward. As an authorised Easigas distributor, her company is bringing clean, reliable and affordable energy to homes and businesses.
This week, Busisiwe’s journey reached another milestone when Mazondo Gas was named among the Top 20 Finalists at the Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards 2025, earning R40,000 to expand its operations. The recognition comes amid a wave of entrepreneurial innovation sweeping across Gauteng a province increasingly seen as the pulse of South Africa’s small business ecosystem.
“Another win for Mazondo Gas! This recognition is more than just an award it’s a testimony that we’re on the right path, continuing to serve our community with pride, integrity and purpose,” said Busisiwe.
Championing Clean, Reliable Energy
Founded to address energy insecurity and household reliance on unsafe fuels, Mazondo Gas has become a trusted supplier of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), an essential alternative as South Africa transitions towards cleaner energy sources.
Busisiwe’s model blends operational excellence with community engagement, ensuring that energy distribution is not only profitable but purpose-driven. Her leadership represents a growing movement of African women entrepreneurs driving the continent’s energy transition through innovation, inclusivity, and impact.
The LPG market in South Africa is valued at over R6 billion, with growing demand driven by unreliable electricity supply and urban population growth. Mazondo Gas taps directly into this need, offering convenience, safety and affordability in a sector still dominated by traditional players.
From Vision to Recognition
The Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards, powered by the Hollywood Foundation, celebrate entrepreneurs who demonstrate innovation, social impact and resilience. This year’s programme featured over 120 entrepreneurs, who participated in pitching sessions and exhibitions before a panel of industry leaders.
The week-long initiative opened with a masterclass led by Dr. Thabo Pitsi, focusing on how founders can refine their 90-second elevator pitches a crucial skill for raising capital and scaling.
At the Gala Dinner, Busisiwe’s Mazondo Gas stood out for its clarity of purpose and measurable community impact. The company’s inclusion among the Top 20 finalists reflects both its operational strength and its commitment to building a cleaner, more inclusive energy economy.
“It was truly inspiring to see the innovation, passion, and determination of fellow entrepreneurs across Gauteng,” Busisiwe shared. “The atmosphere was vibrant, the energy positive and the sense of community uplifting.”
Busisiwe’s recognition at Bambelela adds to a growing list of accolades that reflect her influence within South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. She was named a Top Women EmpowHer Winner 2024 and is among the IDEAL Innovative & Propeller 2025 cohort, platforms that spotlight women breaking barriers in business and technology.
She is also a Forty Under 40 finalist, recognizing her as one of the country’s most promising young leaders driving the adoption of clean energy.
Her journey, as she describes it, is fuelled by perseverance and purpose. “Because our blood is blue,” she says a nod to the Easigas brand, “and now, a little purple has been added,” referencing the Hollywood Foundation’s corporate colours and her expanding network of supporters.
Building Africa’s Energy Future
As South Africa continues to face energy shortages, entrepreneurs like Busisiwe Zondo are stepping into spaces once dominated by large utilities. Mazondo Gas embodies a new generation of African-led clean energy companies that are agile, socially conscious and deeply rooted in community development.
By combining business acumen with social purpose, she is proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist and that African women are key to shaping the continent’s energy future. Her story is a reminder that Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit remains its most renewable resource.
