This year’s instalment of the competition drew to a close last night when the winners were announced at an awards ceremony, hosted by the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development (SDECD) Department. Read more below:
There were winners galore at the 2023 #Youthstart Entrepreneurial Challenge awards ceremony.
Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews delivered the keynote address.
‘Government will remain the biggest employer of persons, but we can’t do it alone. We need a healthy, vibrant, youthful entrepreneur sector. We wish all of the participants the best for the future. It is important to understand the importance of creating a healthy culture for your business to thrive, but also that you have an opportunity to create and contribute towards the shared future that we all crave and desire as South Africans. Thank you for your participation, congratulations to all of the winners, and even if you did not receive a prize, don’t stop believing and working towards realising your dreams,’ said Alderman Andrews.
This year, the competition saw existing businesses go head to head, but also created space for young people with business ideas to get in on the action in numerous categories.
In the existing businesses category, Justin Gelderbloem of JDG Events in Brackenfell walked away with top honours.
First runner up was Tumeleng Mampi of Ikasi’lam Eatery and Car Wash in Gugulethu, and the second runner up was Gugu Tyhaliti of Cake Talk Bakery in Khayelitsha.
In the business ideas categories, the winners were:
Manufacturing: Xola Kondlo from Philippi East (1st place); Wendy Mxoli from Khayelitsha (runner-up)
Agriculture: Amkele Nokrala from Philippi East (1st place); Abel Makwe from Eersteriver (runner-up)
Finance & Business Services: Viwe Tobi from Langa (1st place); Manelisi Gcamgcam from Delft (runner-up)
Information Technology (IT): Zikhona Malgas from Philippi
Tourism: Faizel Newman from Bonteheuwel
The 2023 challenge saw 162 entries across the various categories.
The participants were whittled down through a series of pitches before an adjudication panel, after undergoing various training sessions.
For existing businesses, the final pitch was followed by site visits to the businesses as part of a verification process.
‘To all of those who participated in this beautiful venture, thank you so much for bringing your bright ideas and experiences to the table. To all of our sponsors, thank you so much for your commitment to this cause. Your input, guidance and mentorship helped unlock this opportunity for our future leaders and entrepreneurs to explore, learn, exchange ideas and build connections. Also to our Social Development and Early Childhood Development team who make this competition happen each year, thank you for your hard work in facilitating the opportunities that our participants have been exposed to,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
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