Soshanguve entrepreneur Rodney Maduwa has won R1 million after his growing paint manufacturing business claimed the 2026 Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge.
Maduwa Paint World (Pty) Ltd emerged as the national winner after competing against businesses selected from hundreds of applications submitted by entrepreneurs across South Africa’s nine provinces.
The company’s journey began in a five-square-metre shack in Soshanguve and has since developed into a growing South African manufacturer of decorative and industrial paints and coatings, with operations extending across several provinces.
Maduwa Paint World first won the Gauteng leg of the competition before progressing to the national finals.
Judges assessed finalists on commercial viability, scalability, market opportunity, financial sustainability, entrepreneurial excellence and community impact.
The business stood out for its growth trajectory and plans to expand local manufacturing, including an ambition to establish an acrylic emulsion manufacturing facility in South Africa.
The proposed facility could help reduce the company’s reliance on imported raw materials while expanding production capacity and supporting the development of black-owned industrial manufacturing.
The R1 million prize will be used to accelerate Maduwa Paint World’s expansion, increase manufacturing capacity, create additional employment opportunities and strengthen its participation in local and national value chains.
Ezempilo Primecare Clinic, founded by Sisanda Potye, finished as the first runner-up after reaching the national finals through the competition’s Viewers’ Choice category.
Mpumalanga representative PSD Scent Perfumes (Pty) Ltd, founded by Phumulile Mkhonza, was named second runner-up.
Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, said the businesses entering the competition demonstrated the commercial potential emerging from township economies.
“The calibre of businesses that entered this year’s competition demonstrates that some of South Africa’s most exciting growth opportunities are emerging from township economies,” Mosomane said.
“This year’s competition showcased the ambition, resilience and innovation that exists within township economies across South Africa.”
Mosomane said participating entrepreneurs were demonstrating their ability to build scalable businesses capable of creating employment, addressing market needs and contributing to economic growth.
“We congratulate Maduwa Paint World on winning the Pitch Challenge and look forward to supporting Rodney as he amplifies the growth of his business with the R1 million prize money,” Mosomane added.
The National Pitch Challenge forms part of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit, now in its fourth year.
Held under the theme “Commercialising Kasi: Unlocking Competitive Township Businesses,” the initiative connects township entrepreneurs with business leaders, development organisations, policymakers and investors.
The competition also forms part of Standard Bank’s broader Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, which provides qualifying majority black-owned businesses with access to funding, mentorship, business development support and market opportunities.
