INO-Biodiesel claims champion title
The social entrepreneurs were shortlisted to compete for the grand prize of R30 000.
INO-Biodiesel was announced as the 2024 IWISA No 1 Community Champion of Gauteng.
Facing stiff competition from deserving finalists across the region, Mahlatse Mamaila, the social entrepreneur behind INO-Biodiesel, returns home with R30 000 in prize money and is motivated to continue making a difference in the lives of the over 20 000 individuals in her social enterprise connects.
Makatu Tshivhula from The Light Candles and Vutomi Lubisi from Eully’s Cakery were came second and third in the competition in Ormonde, Johannesburg.
Each winner took home prize money they will use to further build, grow and sustain their social enterprises. These winners will also attend in-person expert business development training with winners from other participating regions later in the year.
Guests, supporters and fellow champions applauded when IWISA No 1’s judging panel made the much-anticipated announcement, having witnessed the morning pitching session by the 10 SMEs shortlisted from the region.
The shortlisted SMEs:
• Agrigreat Soiltech Envirocare in Kempton Park;
• ChemKhowa (Pty) Ltd in Protea South, Soweto;
• YO BABA in Thembisa;
• INO-Biodiesel in Pretoria;
• The Light Candles in Pimville, Soweto;
• Atlegang Growth SA (Pty) Ltd in Sandown;
• Mpumi’s Tasty Treats in Thembisa;
• Quick in Car Wash in Lorentzville;
• Bajha Etsoseng Agricultural Farming; and
• Projects and Eully’s Cakery in Germiston.
Now in its second year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition recognises the contribution of local social entrepreneurs who developed viable township SMEs that solve a social need such as crime, poverty or unemployment.
The competition journey prepares regional finalists from Gauteng, the Free State and the Eastern and Western Cape to “pitch” their SMEs to a panel of experts to win their share of the collective R60 000 allocated per region.
In the weeks leading up to the regional final, the 10 shortlisted SMEs received expert training focusing on their marketing and sales abilities. In this way, they strengthened the skills needed to continue taking their SMEs to market – building sustainability as a direct outcome of participating in the competition.
“The build-up to this year’s regional finals was exciting,” said premier executive: of marketing (milling), Sibongile Mooko.
“Not only did we receive almost 600 entries in total across the four participating regions, but the quality of applications was also significant. As a brand committed to building strong communities and empowering individuals, we were touched and humbled by the social enterprises’ exceptional contributions they are making across our nation. We thank everyone who participated and wish them every possible success.”
She added that the compelling purpose driving each finalist made for arduous decision-making by the judges.
“From stories about how entrepreneurs support confectionery SMEs and bakers in rural areas, manufacturing environmentally-friendly detergent in townships, and unlocking international au pair opportunities for local youth, each of these SMEs is making a positive social impact in their immediate communities.
“I commend everyone who presented. You did yourselves and the causes you represent proud. As IWISA No 1, we have heard you and will continue looking for ways to support you.”
Winner Mamaila said she would invest the R30 000 received in an advanced processing machine for use by 40 unemployed youth who will join the SME in November to help increase manufacturing capacity.
“Our SME produces biodiesel from used cooking oil. We buy this from over 200 kasi restaurants and Abomama, who cook amagwinya [vetkoek], creating an additional revenue stream for their SMMEs. Our value chain extends to over 20 000 women and youth across Mpumalanga, North-West and Gauteng.
“Our work is about our collective future. The 40 youth joining our SME will learn about green-fuel manufacturing and engage in water and environmental research.”
Mamaila advises upcoming social entrepreneurs, “Believe in yourself and your vision. Start small. Start now. And do it with audacity.”
Mooko thanked everyone who contributed to making the competition journey fulfilling.
“As IWISA No 1, we thank our competition partners, the Silulo Foundation and the IDC, our organisers and our internal team. None of this would have been possible without your hard work and commitment. We’re excited to see how we build on this remarkable event.”
When asked about next year’s IWISA No 1’s Community Champions event, Mooko said social enterprises should keep watching this space,
“We remain committed to growing game-changing enterprises across SA. They are building stronger communities by overcoming challenges and positively impacting our collective futures. We will continue supporting them through this competition and other flagship programmes and find new ways to enable our country’s community champions.”
