Kraaifontein fitness entrepreneur Nadia Abdul Wahab has turned workouts into wins, after being recognised as a top young entrepreneur at Cape Town’s prestigious YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge. With her fitness platform Gym Tech for Weight Loss, she scooped second runner-up in the Existing Business Category.

The curtain fell on the 10th edition of the #YouthStartCT entrepreneurial challenge last Tuesday evening at the Civic Centre Banqueting Hall when the winners were announced after just over eight weeks of coaching, training and pitching before a panel of judges.

According to the City, it was the most successful year yet, with just over 700 entries for existing businesses or business ideas — 145 of whom met the criteria to participate in the training and mentorship rounds.

The group included 68 women and 77 men from across the metropole, who either have existing businesses or business ideas, and nearly 40% of them were in the 18 – 25 age group. The Top 10 in both categories were finalised through a series of pitches.

More than a trophy

Top business Gym Tech for Weight loss combines Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology with infrared therapy to offer women a convenient, low-impact wellness solution that supports busy lifestyles. The business focuses on helping clients improve muscle engagement and complement their fitness journey.

For Wahab, winning was about more than a trophy. The Kraaifontein entrepreneur says the recognition validates a vision she has been working towards for years.

“Gym Tech for Weight Loss was created to help women feel seen, to be a support structure that most working mothers don’t have,” she told TygerBurger.

Wahab describes her platform as a practical, accessible solution designed around the realities of modern life, where busy schedules and limited support often leave women with little time for self-care.

She credits the YouthStartCT programme with giving her something she did not have when she entered: structure and a clearer vision for her business.

“The vision I have today I didn’t have previously,” she said. “YouthStart taught me structure, something I was lacking when I started the competition process.”

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is one of self-belief over perfection.

“Believe in yourself before you ask others to believe in your business,” she said. “For a long time I struggled with self-doubt and questioned whether I was good enough. Confidence grows through action. Don’t wait until you feel ready or perfect. Believe in your dream, keep showing up, and let your passion speak for itself. If you believe in your vision, others will begin to believe in it too.”

An environment to grow

The winner of the Existing Business Category was Paul Whitehead of Major John from Woodstock, with Kylie Andrea Adam of Shanti Natural Care from Gardens as first runner-up.

In the Business Ideas Category, the top achievers were winner Candice Shunmoogam of GWIN from Parkwood, followed by Malilimalo Phaswana of Wine Behaviour from Pinelands, and Izak Liebenberg of Reality Atelier from Thornton in third place.

Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said the programme has endured because it addresses a practical need as young people require access to opportunity, not only encouragement.

“They need spaces where they can test an idea, get honest feedback, learn the basics, and build the confidence to keep going,” she said.

“That is what #YouthStartCT has tried to do over the past decade and this competition matters deeply in a city like ours. Because when we create an enabling environment and invest in our young people, we are not only investing in individual businesses or ideas. We are investing in confidence, in economic participation, and in the future of Cape Town.”

“To our finalists and winners, congratulations. We are proud of you. To those who may not have received an award, please do not see this as the end of your journey. Cape Town needs your energy, your ideas and your courage. Thank you for being part of the #YouthStartCT story, and here’s to the next decade of young entrepreneurs building a stronger, more inclusive and more hopeful Cape Town,” added Higham.