South Africa’s township entrepreneurs took centre stage as the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit celebrated innovation, resilience, and the power of inclusive growth.
For the first time, the Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge expanded nationally, attracting over 850 applications from all nine provinces. The initiative has quickly become one of the country’s most dynamic platforms for township-based businesses, offering not only funding but also visibility, mentorship, and market access.
Empowering Township Businesses
Eighteen finalists, representing the top two entrepreneurs from each province, competed in the national showcase. Cloudy Deliveries from the Western Cape claimed the top prize of R200,000, winning for its innovative bicycle-based delivery model that connects local businesses to communities while also promoting grassroots advertising.
Other winners included:
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Ukuhamba (Gauteng) – R100,000: A 100% black youth- and women-owned healthcare tech company producing affordable prosthetics and mobility aids.
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Keiskamma Hygiene Services and Projects (Eastern Cape) – R80,000: Providing environmental services such as pest control, deep cleaning, and mobile car washes.
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Ariel Robotics (KwaZulu-Natal) – R70,000: A township-based drone tech company improving supply chain management.
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Sky Drop (KwaZulu-Natal) – R50,000: An eco-friendly enterprise producing clean drinking water using atmospheric water generation technology.
Building Capacity for Growth
All contestants completed a pitch masterclass programme covering storytelling, financial fundamentals, go-to-market strategy, and investor engagement. Beyond cash prizes, the 18 finalists were each awarded Standard Bank SimplyBLU payment devices to digitise their operations and received tickets to the upcoming South African Future Trust (SAFT) Summit, where they will gain exposure to investors.
“The courage, creativity and resilience demonstrated by these entrepreneurs embody the future of inclusive growth in South Africa,” said Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Standard Bank.
Driving Social Impact in KZN and Beyond
By hosting the national finals in KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa’s second-largest provincial economy contributing 16% to GDP – Standard Bank underscored its commitment to positioning township economies as drivers of sustainable growth.
The Challenge forms part of the bank’s Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) programme, which supports black-owned SMEs with financial and non-financial resources. Businesses targeted are at least 51% black-owned, operate with turnovers under R50 million, and demonstrate strong growth potential.
“Township economies are a powerful driver of South Africa’s future,” Mosomane added. “By scaling this Challenge nationally, we are creating broader access to opportunities that can spark growth, unlock jobs and transform communities, while also equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive.”
Beyond Funding: A Platform for Transformation
With the support of SAFT as a strategic partner, the Summit is proving to be more than a competition. It is a catalyst for systemic change, building networks and enabling township entrepreneurs to access value chains previously out of reach.
For the winners and finalists alike, the Kasi SME Summit marks the start of a new chapter – one where ideas born in townships have the power to fuel inclusive economic transformation across South Africa.
