From Funeral Services to Fashion: South Africa’s Most Innovative Entrepreneurs of 2025

Five SMEs are transforming South Africa’s economy through innovation, job creation, and unconventional leadership

In a year marked by economic uncertainty, with growth projected between 0.9% and 1.6%, inflation rising to 3.5%, and unemployment stubbornly high at 33.2%, South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are proving to be a beacon of resilience, innovation, and job creation.

Five trailblazing entrepreneurs are demonstrating how ingenuity and unconventional leadership can drive success against the odds. Honoured at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards, these innovators are transforming the nation’s economy one breakthrough at a time.

Aphiwe Khambule’s path to becoming South Africa’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year® didn’t follow a traditional route. Before becoming Chief Operating Officer of 21^st Century Funeral Services, she worked in fashion, digital media, and travel operations.

But it was witnessing her father, Mduduzi, serve families during their most vulnerable moments that shaped her purpose. “I saw the compassion, the late nights, the quiet strength it takes to bring comfort when people need it most,” she reflects.

Now leading the second generation of a family business disrupting a R10 billion industry, Khambule has introduced the MYPrestige Rewards programme, offering policyholders benefits like airtime, grocery vouchers, and free career, legal, and medical support. She has also expanded into financial services, recognising that families need more than just a casket; they need options, breathing space, and support.

Khambule shares the spotlight with four other entrepreneurs who are reshaping South Africa’s business landscape.

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year® went to Professor Monique Zaahl, founder of GENEdiagnostics, which addresses a critical gap in genetic testing in South Africa. Fully operational since 2018, the company has achieved a 28% compound annual growth rate and partnered with organisations including the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and National Research Foundation (NRF) to mentor the next generation of scientists.
Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® was awarded to Hamilton Stephenson of Technogrid. Taking over a three-employee shell company in 2016, he transformed it into a manufacturer of industrial safety systems for clients including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Ford. Beyond business growth, he champions young engineers and supports initiatives like Free to Fly and Naomi’s Joy.
Medium Business Entrepreneur and Job Creator of the Year® went to Thatiso Dube of GALXBOY. From selling T-shirts from the boot of his car in 2008, Dube now operates 15 stores across eight provinces and employs over 200 young South Africans. His dual award recognises both his business success and commitment to youth employment.
Innovator of the Year® was awarded to Tebogo Kale, CEO of Gravitas Minerals. His waterless coal separation technology, the Optima Process, is driving sustainability in a water-scarce country. Gravitas Minerals also invests in skills development and environmental education through Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) internships and school partnerships.

“From funeral services to fashion, what connects these five entrepreneurs is their refusal to accept ‘this is how it’s always been done’,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “They’re showing that unconventional backgrounds are not a disadvantage, but a superpower and that youth can be an advantage, not a liability.”

Each winner receives a share of the R2 million prize package, which includes cash prizes, strategic mentorship, and business exposure – resources to amplify their impact and inspire the next generation of South African entrepreneurs.

For more details on all winners and the Entrepreneur of the Year® programme, visit www.eoy.co.za.

About the Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards

The Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards recognise and honour the value and contributions of established South African entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. Now in its 37^th year, the annual awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship with the aim of inspiring others to venture into and succeed in the world of business ownership. The awards recognise and empower South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge, networks and exposure. It is widely considered to be the pre-eminent awards competition of its kind in the country and has served as a business growth springboard for past finalists and winners.

For more information, go to https://www.eoy.co.za.

David Morobe is our Executive General Manager for Impact Investing. He has been working with small and medium business entrepreneurs for more than 25 years and has amassed considerable experience from the various positions he has occupied. Even after working with entrepreneurs for so many years, David still appreciates the opportunity to be of service to their needs, recognising that they play a very important role in the socio-economic development of our country. His greatest fulfilment is seeing SMEs grow and sustain both in good and challenging times, thereby creating wealth not only for themselves but also for those in their employ. He is our go-to-spokesperson for our SME Confidence Index, SME sector policy and trend matters, mentorship, and business leadership articles.