The process of shortlisting the entries submitted to the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge in South Africa has been completed. The following 13 candidates were shortlisted to pitch their projects (alphabetical order):
- Kutlwano Ngwarati, Boolyx Edu-Tech
- Leah Molatseli, LenomaLaw
- Lethabo Legodi, SKEYE – First Responder Service
- Mamkhele Msongelwa, Evaporate Charcoal Cooler
- Marnie Steyn, Feeding 1 Million People
- Masechaba Setsubi, Agisang
- Nomcebo Nzimakwe, Hydro Power Generator
- Nonhlanhla Phalama, Davinon Hydroponics Project Summary
- Nyeleti Mabunda, GrandChem Industries
- Rolland Bouverie, Ardour BioFuels
- Sandile Mkhize & Daniel Nyabadza, Pathfinder Smartcane
- Thabo Titus & Lunga Siyo, JustLaw
- Thandokazi Kweyama, Zaka
The projects were selected out of more than 1280 entries, through a questionnaire and a “Share for Likes” voting phase, before being reviewed by social business professionals.
The 13 finalists pitched their projects over two days. They received coaching before presenting to the local jury, made up of:
- Navin Ramchander – Total, GM Strategy, Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Communication
- Nerusha Govender – Total, GM HSEQ and Environmental Liabilities
- Tshilidzi Ramuedzisi – Total, Innovation and Corporate Affairs Manager
- Berno Potgieter – Domestly, CEO and Co-founder
- Thatoyaona Marumo – Domestly, COO and Co-founder
- Nthabiseng Mosia – EasySolar, Chief Executive Officer
- Nico Steyn – IoT.nxt technology, Chief Executive Officer
When the final selection process closes on March 5, 2019, the jury will announce the names of the three winners of the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge in South Africa. These young entrepreneurs will receive financial support of up to R500 000, personalised support and coaching from Total South Africa and a communications campaign to publicise their project. There will also be a Top Female Entrepreneur award for one of the finalists to support her project. The prizes will be awarded at an official ceremony.
The 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge, held simultaneously in 55 countries — 37 of which are in Africa, 11 in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, 4 in the Americas, and 3 in Europe — reaffirms Total’s commitment to social and economic development in host countries worldwide. By helping innovative young entrepreneurs to realise their projects, the Challenge strengthens the local social fabric.
The complete list of finalists and the rules for the contest are available on the dedicated website: https://startupper-of-the-year-challenge.total.com/en/challenges/south-africa
