Following a close competition that showcased some of South Africa’s finest young entrepreneurial minds, the Firstwatch Entrepreneur’s Challenge winners have been announced. First, second and third place winners were awarded R 100 000, R 50 000 and R 25 000 in cash and business support respectively, plus business mentorship from social development enterprise Over the Rainbow for six months.
“I am blown away by the quality and commitment of the entrepreneurs in this beautiful country and by the hunger and passion that every single contestant showed throughout the 2022 Firstwatch Entrepreneurs Challenge. A huge congratulations to Siyabonga Ndlela for winning the first prize; it was well deserved. Not only because of the expertise had he displayed in his pitch but also because his business aligns with Firtstwatch’s brand purpose of community and social upliftment. The magic will continue over the next few months as we work collaboratively to bring Siyabonga’s dreams to life,” says Lauren Justus, Portfolio Head for Edward Snell & Co. Brown & White Spirits.
The Firstwatch Whisky Entrepreneurs Challenge saw 160 candidates invited to attend a two-day workshop, hosted in Johannesburg and Cape Town and facilitated by established local entrepreneurs who provided skills training. In the next phase, candidates pitched their ideas to a panel of judges to earn a spot in the top 10, who competed for the main prize at the Johannesburg final. The final event took place on 20 February at Disoufeng Pub, Soweto and went exceptionally well. Contestants were also treated to a musical performance from local artist Terrence McKay.
Phumzile Mthembu, third place winner and Founder of Ingcweti Pty Ltd. – a manufacturer of baby skincare products – comments, “Coming in third place feels great for me. It gives me hope to believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I entered the Firstwatch Entrepreneur’s Challenge as I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.
“The R 25 000 prize money is going to help me scale up my business and employ more people. My advice to other entrepreneurs out there is that you can do anything you put your mind to. Effort leads to results and giving up should never be an option.”
The panel of judges included Mpho Mohaswa, creator of Ghemere Ginger Beer (Precious and Pearl Brands), businesswoman and winner of the 2019 Firstwatch Whisky Entrepreneurs Challenge, Musa Kalenga, founder of Monatefellaz, Dawn Nathan-Jones, entrepreneur, multiple award-winning business leader and CEO of Over The Rainbow, Carlo McFarlane, award-winning performance artist and local entrepreneur, as well as Bongi Matsolo, Previous Senior Brand Manager – Edward Snell & Co. Brown & White Spirits.
Zethu Nyali, second place winner and founder of Zee Organics founded her business for very personal reasons, hoping to help cancer sufferers overcome some of the immense personal challenges they face.”Winning the second prize is so exciting for me,” says Nyali. “I started my business because of my sister, who has cancer. Seeing her getting bullied and losing her self-esteem due to hair loss broke my heart, so I decided to do something about it.
“Winning the cash and business support means that I can produce more products as they are currently in demand. We manufacture products that help with hair loss, and we have had great feedback from our clients. To all the entrepreneurs out there, keep knocking on those doors; you never know when opportunity will open up for you.”
Judges and facilitators faced an immense challenge of their own in trying to identify this year’s Firstwatch Entrepreneurs Challenge grand prize winner. But following much deliberation, a local agricultural business came out on top.
“Being the first prize winner is such an honour for me. I am truly grateful,” says Siyabonga Ndlela, Founder of Ndlela Agri Group. “The main reason I entered the Firstwatch Entrepreneur’s Challenge is that I wanted to get my name out there so that people could get to know about me and my business.
“With the prize money, I am going to buy some machinery for my business and put up fencing where I plant my vegetables. I give back some of my vegetables to those who need them in my community, so I am happy that I will get to do more of that.
“My advice to all the entrepreneurs out there is to choose what you love and go for it. Waking up for work becomes so much easier when you do what you love.”
Mpho Mohaswa, former Firstwatch Entrepreneurs Challenge winner and one of the judges for this year’s initiative concludes, “The quality of the entrants for the challenge was excellent overall. The entrepreneurs were diverse, and all had good and touching stories behind their business ideas. It is truly inspiring and amazing to see young people chase their dreams, especially during these difficult times.
“Entrepreneurs need someone to believe in them and give them that extra push to get to the next level. The Firstwatch Whisky Entrepreneur’s Challenge is an important initiative as it not only shows people that their dreams are valid but also helps turn them into a reality.”
To find out more about the Challenge, visit https://firstwatchwhisky.co.za/.
