When Kudzai Mqingwana stood up to address the breakfast audience she didn't dream that her presentation on Africa!Ignite's rural enterprise development work would so impress the gathering that she would be handed a cheque for R40,000.

The Standard Bank Durban Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year awards recognise the contribution made to the economy by small and medium-sized businesses. Although Africa!Ignite was not an entrant for the awards, Kudzai explained that "to achieve our purpose of promoting participation in the economy, Africa!Ignite promotes skills and enterprise development of youths and adults, particularly women."

The money will be used to further the enterprise development work of the organisation in 2010.