Inyosi is pleased to announce the successful loan approved to Smart Diva Accommodations. This loan will be used to acquire and renovate a rental property in Quigney, East London.
Smart Diva Trading (Pty) Ltd. (“Smart Diva”) has been an existing borrower of Inyosi Empowerment since 2017. Smart Diva was introduced to Inyosi through Luvuyo Rani, the founder of one of our long-term borrowers, Silulo Ulutho Trading (Pty) Ltd. (“Silulo”). Smart Diva is a 100 black woman-owned ICT company. Smart Diva owns two Silulo franchises, both operating in East London, Eastern Cape. One of the franchises operates in Mdantsane, an urban township situated 15km away from East London, whilst the other operates within The Gillwell Mall. Smart Diva is working to bridge the digital divide in South Africa’s townships and rural areas, by providing communities with access to ICT services, training, and employment channels. Smart Diva also offers IT hardware and software business solutions to individuals and enterprises within the vicinity of operation.
During 2021, Smart Diva management ventured into the tourism market and established a guest house, which operates under the name of Smart Diva Accommodation (Pty) Ltd operating as a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in the Quigney area of East London. Smart Diva Accommodation is a 100% black women-owned company. Ntombelanga Njani-Rani is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business alongside her husband Lonwabo Rani.
Smart Diva Accommodation’s existing guesthouse has 9 rooms, accommodating up to 18 guests. The guest house rooms are fully furnished and serviced. Smart Diva Accommodations offers a broad range of amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, picnic area, braai facilities, a communal lounge area, conference/banquet facilities, a business center, fax/photocopying and 24-hour security. The guest house is situated amongst various popular points of interest, including the East London Aquarium, German Settlers Memorial, Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, the East London Museum and many more.
Smart Diva Accommodation have benefitted from strong demand and have even need to turn away prospective customers on several occasions due to being fully booked. As a result, Smart Diva Accommodation’s wanted to expand their operations. This is despite the negative impact Covid has had on all businesses. Smart Diva Accommodation has been presented with the opportunity to procure a house located in proximity of the current guest house. After acquiring the property, Smart Diva Accommodation will renovate it before opening it to prospective guests.
Inyosi Empowerment is optimistic about this venture and delighted to be Ntombelanga’s funding partner of choice and assisting Smart Diva with its most recent venture.
