As South Africa grapples with modest growth and high unemployment, entrepreneurs are stepping up as job creators and economic drivers. The easing of inflation to three-year lows, combined with steady recovery in key sectors like manufacturing and trade, is providing entrepreneurs with a more stable foundation for growth, as demonstrated by the 15 finalists in the 37th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® competition.
“These entrepreneurs represent the forward momentum of South Africa’s economy,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “They’re not just building successful businesses; they’re creating jobs, driving innovation, and positioning South Africa as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.”
This year’s cohort is defined by several key trends: women entrepreneurs are in the clear majority (10 of 15), many of them succeeding in male-dominated industries like mining and construction. While entrepreneurial success is concentrated in the economic hubs of Gauteng (8) and the Western Cape (4), there is also representation from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Tech and ICT have emerged as dominant growth sectors, balanced by a strong showing from industries as diverse as biotech, professional services, hospitality, and apparel.
The finalists in the competition’s three categories are:
Emerging Entrepreneur – awarded to an entrepreneur who has operated their business for one to five years:
- Lebohang Madubanya – Future Nurses Nursing School, a private nursing higher education institution.
- Prof Monique Zaahl – GENEdiagnostics, a genetic testing, research, and training business.
- Thandiwe Shema – Jalusi Corporation, an enterprise co-developing solutions to mitigate business growth constraints for SMEs.
- Bongiwe Masoka – ZakhiAfrica, a provider of professional cleaning and hygiene services.
- Thabile Makhoba – Makhoba Professional Services, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company.
Small Business Entrepreneur – recognising owners of businesses with an annual turnover of between R10 million and R50 million:
- Tryphina Moeketsi Maile – The Well Digger Pty Ltd, a provider of construction and sanitation services.
- Raisibe Esther Senoamadi – Bashumi Instruments and Control Services, a supplier of laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Wendy Thembeka Dlomo – The Living Collective, a full-service self-catering accommodation rental company.
- Tebogo Kale – Gravitas Minerals, a fine mineral separation technology company.
- Hamilton Stephenson – Technogrid (Pty) Ltd, a global provider of energy-absorbing systems for mining and heavy industry.
Medium Business Entrepreneur – presented to an entrepreneur leading a business with an annual turnover of over R50 million:
- Louw Barnardt – Outsourced CFO, a financial management services firm for founders.
- Thatiso Dube – GALXBOY, an African design and apparel brand.
- Aphiwe Khambule – 21st Century Funeral Services, a funeral insurance and burial service provider.
- Damian Michael – Innovo Networks, a communications and internet service provider.
- Eva Biyela – Big Sky Travel and Tours, a full-service travel agency.
The next step for the 15 finalists is the final judging round, where the winner in each category will be determined. From there, one winner will be named the overall 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year®. Two special awards may also be conferred: the Job Creator of the Year Award for the finalist who has made the most significant contribution to employment, and the Innovator of the Year Award for an entrepreneur who has introduced a ground-breaking product or service.
The competition culminates at a late-October awards ceremony, where winners will be awarded a prize package designed to catalyse their next phase of growth. This includes a share of R2 million in capital, high-level strategic mentorship, and business exposure opportunities.
“Behind each of these businesses is an entrepreneur who saw an opportunity where others saw obstacles,” concludes Morobe. “Their impact extends far beyond their own balance sheets – they’re creating jobs, developing skills, and strengthening the economic fabric of our country.”
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 37th 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.
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