Page 159 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2025 V1-EBOOK

Growth And Diversification
From its humble beginnings with three employees,
Sky Tents has expanded significantly. By 2017 the
workforce had grown to 13, and today the company
employs more than 75 people across nine branches
in South Africa. Sky Tents also exports its products
to a growing list of international clients in Namibia,
Botswana, Nigeria, Algeria, Eswatini, Uganda,
Lesotho, the Seychelles, Zambia, Mozambique, and
Zimbabwe.
While the company initially focused on pole
tents, its product offering now includes stretch
tents, dome tents, and frame tents, designed to
meet the diverse needs of clients ranging from
community events to large corporate functions.
Complementary services such as tables and chairs,
draping, mobile toilets, and refrigerated trailers
have been added, creating a one-stop solution for
event organisers. The company is also expanding
into injection moulding, reflecting its philosophy of
constant innovation and adaptation.
A Culture Of Innovation And Motivation
At the heart of Sky Tents’ success is Isaac’s leadership
style, which combines vision with motivation. He
thrives on keeping his team inspired and forward-
thinking. “I strive to get my people bubbling and
asking, ‘what are we doing next?’” he explains.
He admits that delegation has been a challenge
at times, but he recognises the importance of
empowering staff to take ownership of their roles.
His ability to instil a sense of shared purpose has
become a hallmark of the Sky Tents journey.
Awards And Recognition
Isaac’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In
2019 he was named on the prestigious Forbes Africa
30 Under 30 list, recognising young leaders shaping
the future of the continent. In 2022 he received
the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Entrepreneur
Award for resilience, and in 2023 Sky Tents was
honoured with the Standard Bank SME Client of
the Year Award. These accolades underscore the
company’s reputation for innovation, service
excellence, and long-term growth.
As Sky Tents enters its second decade, the company
stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial resilience
and opportunity. From walking the streets with
flyers to leading a company with an international
presence, Isaac Mbatha’s journey has been defined
by courage, vision, and a belief that success lies in
consistency and service.

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