The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and bhive Enterprise Development Centre collaborated with I AM Youth, Radio Pulpit, Radio Cape Pulpit and TBN Africa to offer an entrepreneurial training and development programme – culminating in a Pitch Your Business competition – to empower young entrepreneurs.
The initiative began in April 2023, drawing interest from 201 individuals. After a first round of training through self-paced learning videos, 45 entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs submitted their business concepts. An evaluation panel meticulously selected the top 30 participants.
Subsequently, a second round of training resulted in the submission of business model canvases by participants, whereafter the top 20 participants were selected. Finally, the field was narrowed down to 10 finalists after a third round of training.
The finalists, including eight South Africans, one finalist from Malawi, and one from Swaziland, presented their business concepts to a panel of judges and guests at the final event that took place on 30 November 2023. The day was filled with excitement and anticipation, and after much deliberation, the competition winners were announced.
Mahlatse Mamaila was declared the overall winner for her outstanding bio-diesel business concept. Her prize includes a media package valued at R500 000 from the collaborating radio stations and I AM Youth. She will also receive business incubation, mentoring, coaching, and entrepreneurial training and development to the value of R50 000 from the NWU.
Bridget Mtetwa with her eLearning Hub concept, and Lithakazi Mkombe who came up with a Literary App, were announced the first and second runners-up respectively. Their prizes include a media package of R350 000 and R150 000 as well as business incubation, mentoring, coaching, and entrepreneurial training and development worth R30 000 and R20 000, respectively.
Prof Herman van der Merwe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, says the collaboration with the various radio stations and I AM Youth has been very successful.
“I take great pride in our faculty staff who played a pivotal role in working with the competition participants, generously sharing their expertise. Empowering young entrepreneurs is vital for Africa's economic growth. This initiative contributes to building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity in Africa,” he adds.
CEO of Radio Pulpit, Rev Karel Verhoef, emphasises that as a Christian radio station, their mission extends beyond spiritual upliftment. “Delivering the good news of the Bible must be complemented by making a meaningful impact in people's lives. The project's emphasis on developing and identifying young entrepreneurs perfectly aligns with the objectives of Radio Pulpit and the I AM Youth movement.”
Dr Leonie Greyling, senior manager for enterprise development at the NWU, says they are delighted to see such talent and innovation in our youth.
“We look forward to seeing these young entrepreneurs grow and succeed in their ventures. We could not be happier for these extraordinary women, and we are thrilled with the positive impact this competition will have on their lives. This is a shining example of the incredible things that can happen when we invest in the potential of entrepreneurs, especially women.”
The judges hard at work. From left are Prof Re-An Müller, deputy director of the NWU’s School of Management Sciences, Lucky Mbiko, CEO of TBN Africa, Lungiswa Mzimba, founder of Border Frontier, Rev Hermy Damons, chairperson of Radio Pulpit, and Klippies Kritzinger, CEO of Vaal Business Community.
