“A dream doesn’t die if the owner is still alive.” These are the words of Amanda Nkwintshi, chief executive officer (CEO) of We Care Wellness Clinic, from Ilitha Park in Khayelitsha.

Nkwitshi has been named the winner of the 2026 IWISA No 1 Community Champions Competition, organised by IWISA No 1. The competition was held at Newlands Rugby Stadium on Thursday, 17 September, and ran across four provinces: the Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

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A dream come true

Nkwintshi described her victory as a dream come true. She said she had not expected to win the competition.

“There is a programme designed to empower young businesses in the community, run by Silulo Ulutho Technologies, which I am part of. We have a WhatsApp group for young business owners. Silulo regularly posts opportunities, including competitions, to the group. It was in July when they shared this competition and I told myself, let me try my luck. I entered the competition and the rest is history,” she laughed.

Nkwintshi said about 180 candidates entered the competition from the Western Cape.

“I progressed to the second round, where we had to explain what our companies do, their expenses, revenues and so on. After that I was selected for the final round — the top 10. On that final day, we pitched our business plans again using PowerPoint in front of the audience,” she explained, adding that she could not believe it when her name was announced as number one.

Nkwintshi confessed that the competition was tough. As her business is based in the township, competing against people with well-established businesses, she did not see the win coming. She said she was excited to be among the top 10 in the province.

Services and aspirations

She explained that her health centre operates from 09:00 until 17:00, Monday to Friday, and from 09:00 until 13:00 on Saturday. She said they have only seven staff members in total.

Explaining the services provided at the health centre, she said they offer primary health care services such as family planning, wound care, health screening and blood tests. They also provide occupational health services, including pre-employment medical assessments, check-ups, medical fitness exams and first aid box management. In addition, they offer aesthetic services, focusing on skin care.

Nkwintshi, who obtained a B-Tech in Occupational Health from Cape Peninsula University of Technology and completed various short courses at different private training centres, said she would like to see her business grow.

“I don’t have enough equipment to work with. As I provide occupational health and aesthetic services, I need proper machines to examine patients, especially when I’m conducting medical fitness exams and check-ups. Also, I don’t have enough space. The building is too small, especially now that the number of patients coming in is growing,” she stated.

Advice to young entrepreneurs

Nkwintshi advised other young businesspeople not to give up on their dreams. She said focus, hard work and dedication are the major keys to success.