South Africa’s Brightest Entrepreneurs Compete for R1 Million in Pitch & Polish 2025

A record-breaking 2 500+ entrepreneurs from every corner of the country threw their hats into the ring for the 15th season of Nedbank Pitch & Polish, South Africa’s leading entrepreneurial competition. From AI innovations to eco-conscious consumer goods, this year’s entries are a powerful reflection of the nation’s spirit: diverse, bold, and solution-driven.

Following a highly competitive selection process, 16 standout business owners have been handpicked to compete for the coveted R1 million grand prize, which includes R650 000 in cash and a R350 000 business incubation bursary with Raizcorp. The runner-up will receive R100 000, and third place walks away with R50 000.

Celebrating 15 Years of Entrepreneurial Excellence

Now in its 15th season, Pitch & Polish has cemented itself as more than just a competition – it’s a business development journey. Powered by Nedbank and Raizcorp, the programme equips participants with hands-on business training, real-world mentorship, and the opportunity to refine their pitches to investors.

Each entrepreneur is paired with a mentor from Raizcorp – Africa’s top incubator – who guides them through key business fundamentals such as strategy, finance, sales, marketing, and leadership.

While only one contestant will win the top prize, all participants walk away with powerful skills and insight, positioning them to build resilient, scalable businesses.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

Here are just a few of the visionary entrepreneurs lighting up this year’s stage:

• Vanessa Snyman (Mpumalanga) is tackling water pollution with bioactive toilet paper that reduces drain blockages and odours.
• Tieho Tsiane (Gauteng) brings digital inclusion to life with KA-DAH, an AI-powered smartphone tool for the visually impaired.
• Maria Plembe (Gauteng) leads Semapak, offering sustainable, recyclable packaging for South African industries.
• Blessing Sithole (KZN) of Bakers Creationz is reinventing the snowball cake and making waves in major retail stores.
• Cate Olifant (Limpopo) is creating eco-friendly home decor with Akani Paints, offering sustainable solutions and youth internships.
• Tebogo Mpe (Gauteng) is innovating in construction with Assetshare, an AI-driven equipment-sharing platform.
• Colleen Toerien (Gauteng) of MS Sweethearts is South Africa’s first date syrup manufacturer, producing diabetic-friendly treats.
• Orion Herman (KZN) uses human waste as a resource through LiquidGold Africa, creating compost and animal feed.
• Prudence Mabaso (Gauteng) offers no-demolition-needed renovations with The Kitchen Wrap Company.
• Oscar Monama (Gauteng) of Pheko PM Group develops superfoods from indigenous plants like Moringa and Artemisia.
• Xolani Gininda (Mpumalanga) pioneers smart glasses that convert speech to text for the deaf through Smartsight SA.
• Nontsikelelo Mokoena (Gauteng) blends heritage with fashion through Tol’thema, a luxury modestwear brand.
• Memphis Kaotsane (North West) keeps roads safe with Moonshine Reflective Spray for livestock visibility.
• Chantelle de Bruyn (Free State) serves a healthy twist with Buttercup Farmhouse, a caffeine-free veggie-based coffee.
• Tshitso Mosolodi & Karl Carter (Gauteng) empower creatives via Snake Nation, a Web3 content monetisation platform.

The Wildcard Twist

But in true Pitch & Polish fashion, the competition comes with a surprise twist: a wildcard contestant will enter the final round – someone who hasn’t been through the earlier stages but has just as much chance to walk away with the top prize. This wildcard will only deliver their pitch once, in the final episode, but will still be guided by a Raizcorp mentor.

When & Where to Watch

Catch the first episode of Nedbank Pitch & Polish 2025 on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at 19:00 on the Pitch & Polish YouTube and Facebook channels. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, investor, or innovation enthusiast, this is where South Africa’s future business leaders shine.

Follow the competition, support the contestants, and witness the power of South African entrepreneurship in action.