Celebrating entrepreneurial excellence
Six finalists took part in the event, which played out in a shark tank-style format before a panel of four judges: Rachel Kolisi, CEO and co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation; Fazielah Allie, managing director of K9 Pet Foods; Clare Protheroe, an entrepreneur in the employee wellness space; and Cape Argus editor Liesl van der Schyff.
Image: Armand Hough
The Cape Argus on Wednesday hosted its first Women in Business finals, giving a platform to entrepreneurs to share their journeys and the challenges of operating in a tough economic climate.
Six finalists took part in the event, which played out in a shark tank-style format before a panel of four judges: Rachel Kolisi, CEO and co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation; Fazielah Allie, managing director of K9 Pet Foods; Clare Protheroe, an entrepreneur in the employee wellness space; and Cape Argus editor Liesl van der Schyff.
The panel of judges, from left Cape Argus editor Liesl van der Schyff, entrepreneur Clare Protheroe, and Rachel Kolisi, CEO and co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The finalists were Biopelo Manoko (The Art of Untarnished Excellence), Aditi Radhakrishna (Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene), Mamela Nontshakaza (Ezamaswazi Nonzaba Projects), Meg Enerson (Fempreneurs), Cheri-Lynn Freeman (Mzansi Business Services) and Kim Lee Vergotine (VK Fire Tech).
Business ideas ranged from sanitary pad access initiatives to skills development programmes and tech solutions. Freeman’s Mzansi Business Services took second place, while Nontshakaza’s Ezamaswazi Nonzaba Projects claimed first, winning her a media exposure package worth R100 000 across Independent Media’s print and digital platforms.
Mamela Nontshakaza Ezamaswazi Nonzaba Projects claimed first prize in the Cape Argus Women in Business competition.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Based in Nyanga, Nontshakaza’s business began as a home bakery but has grown into a one-stop solution offering décor, event hire and transport. More than building a brand, she said it was about rewriting the story of her community.
“Nyanga is known for skollies and crime,” she told Van der Schyff in an interview after her win. “But this business is for the girl who never got to finish school. It is for the community to be uplifted.”
She told the judges she wanted to use her platform to create jobs, mentor young people, and give women the chance to build sustainable livelihoods.
Van der Schyff said the Argus launched the initiative to highlight stories of resilience and innovation. “Starting and sustaining a business is not easy. These women are proof that despite the odds, it can be done,” she said.
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