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A small contractor in the Eastern Cape is building roads and creating jobs in his community.

Mncedisi Twantwa is not only happy that his company is responsible for building a slip road in Msikaba, but also because through the project he has been able to create 32 much-needed jobs.

Twantwa owns Krweba Trading, an SMME contracted to do work on the Msikaba South haul road project near Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

The Eastern Cape has many under-utilised tracts of land under communal tenure but a community-focused agricultural initiative that is supported by all levels of government is showing that land reform can result in greater inclusion, economic growth and job creation.

Thanks to a R40 million cash boost by government into a community-oriented farming initiative, the Eastern Cape is claiming a share of the lucrative macadamia market.

While important strides have been made regarding the emancipation of women, South Africa still needs women of fortitude like Albertina Sisulu.

Energy Minister Jeff Radebe has called on women to draw strength from the life and legacy of Mama Albertina Sisulu.

Agriculture is an exciting sector filled with career opportunities that are perfect for motivated, skilled and experienced young men and women.

The 27-year-old from Nyamvubu obtained degree in economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and he has used this knowledge to establish himself as a successful farmer in the province.

Snakes are among the most feared and misunderstood of all animals, but a Mpumalanga-born man is determined to change the myth that ‘the only good snake is a dead snake’.

With a pet boa constrictor called Cecilia, it is little wonder Harry Baloyi (34) has earned the nickname “Slangman”.

Baloyi is committed to changing perceptions about snakes and his job at the Bloemfontein Zoo gives him the perfect platform to do so.

Lubabalo Kondlo has done South Africa and the continent proud by becoming Africa's first world draughts champion, but the road to the title has not been an easy one for this Port Elizabeth resident.

Kondlo recently beat Italian draughts Grandmaster Michele Borghetti 5 - 0 to take the title in Mississippi. This win made him the first African to become the world champion.

Exporting to China can be an uphill battle for many small and medium-size businesses, but for KwaZulu-Natal businessman Xolani Ntuli it is a winnable battle with the right partners at his side.

Ntuli (40) owns XKG, a timber and logistics company that recently secured a contract to supply timber to a furniture manufacturing company in China.

An Eastern Cape government funding agency enabled a youngster to embrace his passion for entrepreneurship.

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has beeninstrumental in helping an entrepreneur tuck into the fast food industry with gusto.

A female owned cooperative is looking to improve the economy of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape through manufacturing ethnic clothes for children. Sikhona cooperative is a clothes manufacturing company that focuses on designing school uniforms and ethnic clothes for children. It was established in 2007 by five women in the area.

Sikhona Managing Director Khosi Jayiya said the cooperative initially designed ethnic clothes for adults women but decided to focus on childrens wear and school uniforms because they saw a gap in the market.

Giving vulnerable women the chance to improve their lives.

Dr Lesley Ann Foster has a passion for women’s rights and her legacy is measured in the positive feedback she receives from the people whose lives she has touched.