Issued by: Primedia Face 2 Face


This is no small feat for a young man who grew up in Soweto in the 1980's. Lebo established Lebo's Soweto Backpackers in 2003 as the first backpackers in Soweto and his enthusiasm has seen the lodge grow into a haven for both local and international tourists. Lebo packs them in with the comfortable accommodation, evening entertainment and uniquely by providing visitors with bicycle tours of Soweto.

However, Lebo had even bigger dreams and as such approached the BEI. Through this venture he was taken under the wing of Gary Nelson, CEO, Primedia Face 2 Face CEO, and Joshila Hari the group's Finance Executive.

According to Gary Nelson, “We wish to share our expertise with Lebo. From a strategic point of view we will help him financially. From a sales and marketing point of view he will undergo training for nine months with the ultimate goal of getting his occupancy rate from 40% to about 70% to 80% in order for him to be profitable.

“From a mentoring perspective, Lebo as the protégé needs to take ownership of the project by taking our advice and using it to make his business a success.”

After this great start to evolving his business, it came as a further surprise to Lebo when he was nominated for the Radio 702 Small Business Awards. The nomination was entered by a business colleague of Gary Nelson's after an introduction was made by the business leader.

The judges took a number of factors into account, and areas where Lebo ‘outshone the rest' were the innovative concepts he has implemented as well as the extent to which he gets involved in supporting the local community. The result - first runner-up position.

Lebo's advice to others who wish to start a business: “Look for opportunities around you first and then try to gain the support of the community because no man is an island. You need people to believe in you and support your decisions in order to succeed.” His personal success, business success and two awards in one year is proof he is heeding his own advice with the help of larger companies such as Primedia Face 2 Face!

Visit our PRESS OFFICE: Face 2 Face is a Primedia Group Company, which for the last 25 years has specialised in distribution and communication services to townships throughout South Africa. The company has the most extensive face-to-face distribution and promotional network within South Africa.- more....

[22 Sep 2008 11:14]

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