Innovative South African entrepreneurs vie for R1 million prize

FREE STATE – After an intense selection process, 16 standout entrepreneurs have been chosen – ready to step up to the microphone and compete for their chance to take home the first prize worth an incredible R1 000 000 in the 2025 Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition.

The winner receives R650 000 in cash to grow their business. They also receive a R350 000 bursary for a Raizcorp incubation programme. The first runner-up receives R100 000 in cash. The second runner-up goes home with R50 000.

More than 2 500 business owners from all corners of South Africa entered the competition this year – a new record. The entries embody the diverse, solution-driven spirit of South African entrepreneurs: from artificial intelligence (AI)-driven accessibility tools that assist the visually impaired to a no-demolition-necessary home renovation solution, and bio-active toilet paper that promotes a healthier water system.

One of the businesses that have impressed the judging panel is Oplene Group, a Free State-based mobile phone manufacturer led by entrepreneur Tieho Tsiane. Oplene Group develops KA-DAH, an innovative assistive device that empowers visually impaired individuals to navigate smartphones hands-free, using advanced computer vision and AI.

The device enables users to scroll, select apps, make calls, and access essential functions through intuitive gestures and voice feedback. By enhancing digital accessibility, KA-DAH promotes independence and inclusivity.

“We prioritise sustainability through energy-efficient design and eco-friendly materials. Our mission is to revolutionise assistive technology, ensuring seamless smartphone interaction for the visually impaired whilst contributing to the green economy and digital inclusion,” says Tsiane.

“I am honoured and excited to be in the top 16 of Pitch and Polish. It is a great platform to share my vision and connect with like-minded innovators.”

Now in its impressive 15th season, the competition continues to provide entrepreneurs with a structured, practical learning experience. This experience is designed to sharpen their investment pitching skills. It also increases their chances of securing funding.

Each participant is paired with a seasoned business mentor from Africa’s leading incubator, Raizcorp, who guides them through key areas of their pitch such as strategy, finance, sales, and marketing. Only one entrepreneur will ultimately take the prize worth R1 000 000. All the contestants will leave equipped with valuable insights. They also gain the skills they need to build resilient, sustainable businesses.

The other finalists are:

• Vanessa Snyman, VEZ Technology, Mpumalanga – pioneering bio-active toilet paper;

• Maria Pelembe, Semapak, Gauteng – the driving force behind Semapak, which produces high-quality packaging;

• Blessing Sithole, Bakers Creationz, KwaZulu-Natal – the force behind Bakers Creationz, a confectionery brand turning nostalgic treats into retail gold;

• Cate Olifant, Akani Paints, Limpopo – her paint can be both eco-friendly and top-notch;

• Tebogo Mpe, Assetshare, Gauteng – whose business is shaking up the construction game with an AI-powered platform that connects idle equipment to eager contractors;

• Colleen Toerien, MS Sweethearts, Gauteng – whose business is the first local date syrup manufacturer in South Africa;

• Tshepo Madigage, Gentaflo, Gauteng – whose company builds intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants that talk to customers in real time across websites, social media, and messaging apps;

• Orion Herman, LiquidGold Africa, KwaZulu-Natal – who is spearheading waterless sanitation systems that turn human waste into valuable products like animal feed, compost, and fertiliser;

• Prudence Mabaso, The Kitchen Wrap Company, Gauteng – whose company is transforming home renovations in South Africa with its innovative wrap solutions;

• Oscar Monama, Pheko PM Group, Gauteng – who is bringing indigenous African plants to the forefront of wellness and nutrition;

• Xolani Gininda, Smartsight South Africa, Mpumalanga – the first African company to integrate speech-to-text AI into smart glasses;

• Nontsikelelo Mokoena, TamRex Holdings, Gauteng – who is redefining modest fashion with her luxury brand, Tol’thema, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design;

• Memphis Kaotsane, Moonshine Reflective Spray, North West – making rural roads safer and giving farmers peace of mind with Moonshine Reflective Spray;

• Chantelle de Bruyn, Buttercup Farmhouse, Free State – who is shaking up the coffee world with a vegetable-based alternative that is rich, aromatic, and entirely caffeine-free; and

• Tshitso Mosolodi and Karl Carter, Snake Nation, Gauteng – They are disrupting the creative economy with Snake Nation. It is a Web3 platform where young, diverse creators can build, distribute, and monetise their work.