South Africa’s Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition has reached a significant milestone with the announcement of its top 30 finalists. After an extensive selection process that involved reviewing over 500 applications, these exceptional women entrepreneurs have emerged from a record-breaking pool of talent.
Sugendhree Reddy, Chief Executive Officer at Access Bank, expressed her excitement about the competition, stating, “Learning about the many women who have created their own futures with phenomenal businesses has been inspiring.” This sentiment was echoed by Deirdre King, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM, who noted the difficulty of choosing only 30 female economic builders from the remarkable pool of applicants.
The competition has not only recognised these talented women but also paved the way for cross-business and peer-to-peer mentorship. This mentorship will start at a networking event and continue throughout the year as winners and new networks share ideas and knowledge.
Here are the top 30 Womenpreneurs who have made it to this prestigious list:
- MORONGWE MOKONE – Mo’s Crib
- JABULILE MOROBI – Lesedi Scientific Services
- MATIMU MALULEKE – Phalala Grocery Scheme
- EVETTE VAN DEN BERG – The Nanny Movement
- MALESELA RACHEL TEMA – Plus Fab
- NOMPILO NXUMALO – Ku Green Hands
- DIANE NEETHLING – Imsyser Health
- DONETTE WERKMAN – We Do House Plans
- PEARL KHOZA – Zenzo Multitrade
- SHOKY NENGOVHELA – Tembo Engineering
- STEPHANIE CERONIO – JackRabbit Chocolate Studio
- HLOBISILE BATHABILE YENDE – The Yende and Partners
- BERYL SHUTTLEWORTH – The Herbal Horse & Pet
- CYLA GONSOLVES – Cyla Gonsolves
- NATASHA BUITENDAG – Mrs. Milk
- NGWANAMATLOA MOKONE – ABOT Technology
- EMMERENTIA VAN DER MERWE – Spectacular Concrete Creations
- NOSISA DHLOMO – AfriZulu Tech
- MAHLATSE MAMAILA – INO Biodiesel
- MAMPE ELISA KONYAMA – Unjani Clinic Botshabelo
- CLEOPATRA NGOIE – Sha’p Left
- KIMLYNN TEMPLE – tipped
- PRUDENCE THULISILE MOKWANA – RBKM Chickens
- NTANGANEDZENI MUAMBADZI – Molecular Imaging & Therapy Limpopo
- CATE OLIFANT – Akani Paints
- TEBOGO NYATHELA – Farmers Hope
- CHRIS-CHE MONICA BOTHA – Stepmor Supplies
- FAITH MOKGALAKA – Puno
- HEIDI PATMORE – Manjaro Marketing
- CANDY ANDROUAKOS – Leafline
To enter the competition, these women were required to deliver a perfect pitch about their businesses, emphasising how their ventures contribute to their communities and outlining the support they need to elevate their businesses to the next level.
The top 30 finalists will benefit from an exclusive networking session, including a ‘How to Pitch Your Business’ masterclass. This session will facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among like-minded women in business.
The competition prizes are substantial and reflect the growing importance of SMEs in global economies:
THE WINNER
The first prize is valued at R1 million and includes R500,000 in radio airtime on Jacaranda FM, reaching 1.3 million listeners. The winner will also receive R100,000 in cash and access to investment guidance from Access Bank. Additionally, the winning Womanpreneur will receive comprehensive support for her business, including a 6-week mentorship, tailor-made business consultation, presenter training, and PR and digital consultation.
RUNNER-UP
The runner-up will be awarded R75,000 in cash from Access Bank, along with investment guidance to help her grow her winnings and her business.
THIRD PLACE
The third-placed entrant will receive R50,000 in cash from Access Bank, also with investment guidance to help her invest wisely and reach greater business heights.
TOP 10
The Top 10 finalists will each receive an exceptional R100,000 worth of airtime on Jacaranda FM and a R50,000 educational study voucher from Access Bank.
