ZS Uniforms crowned Gauteng IWISA No 1 Community Champion

IWISA No 1 announced ZS Uniforms as the winner of the Gauteng IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition.

Facing exceptional competition from deserving finalists across the region, Khabonina Mnguni, the social entrepreneur behind ZS Uniforms, received R50 000 in prize money, comprehensive business development support, and renewed motivation to continue making a difference in Thembisa, the community in which their social enterprise operates.

Mnguni from ZS Uniforms in Kempton Park, Thokozani Nduduzo Sibeko from Flour to Dough Bakery in Vosloorus, and Mathutwana Portia Mokoena from Metmok (Pty) Ltd were first, second, and third place winners of the competition.

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Each of the three winners takes home their share of the R100 000 prize money allocated to the region, as well as access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and ongoing business development support that will ensure they further build, grow, and sustain their social enterprises.

Now in its third year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions is one of the brand’s flagship initiatives that recognises social entrepreneurs operating within South Africa’s townships, peri-urban and rural communities.

“Our 2025 competition targeted established social entrepreneurs addressing critical areas, including agriculture, education, digital and technological solutions, health, and the circular economy of waste management and recycling, as well as other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier senior brand manager for maize, breakfast, and pasta.

This year’s expanded support network, including strategic partnerships with Sibanye-Stillwater, Kasi Konnect, PM Skillshouse, Yarena Group, and the Baithudi Mampane Foundation, among others, has effectively doubled the total value of support available to finalists beyond the R400 000 prize pool.

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Nedbank, the competition’s preferred banking partner, will also provide ongoing access to dedicated business bankers and associated support.

The Gauteng finals were hosted at Sakhumzi’s Zoo Lake, with the venue sponsored by local entrepreneur and owner Sakhi Maqubela. Attendees enjoyed nourishing meals cooked with Iwisa No 1 for lunch, as well as sampling delicious Power-Up smoothies and waffles at the event.

“The 2025 competition has been extraordinary in both scale and impact,” said Nhlapo.

“What makes it particularly special is how our partners answered our call to amplify impact, creating a support ecosystem that extends beyond prize money to include comprehensive skills development, health insurance through FundiHealth, and ongoing mentorship opportunities for the 40 finalists across our four regions.”

She added that the finalists’ strong sense of purpose made judging difficult.

“From innovative approaches to farming, manufacturing, skills development, and training, each of these social enterprises is creating measurable positive impact in their immediate community, driving sustainable solutions to critical challenges, including food security, unemployment, education access, and community health.

“Every presentation today demonstrated the calibre of entrepreneurial talent we have in Gauteng. As IWISA No 1, their stories have inspired us, and we remain committed to supporting their continued growth.”

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Celebrating her victory, Mnguni dedicated the win to her team and the community they serve.

“This R50 000 investment, combined with the training, mentorship, and network access we will receive, represents so much more for our SME. We will use our win to continue championing access to quality and affordable school uniforms across the region and the country.

“We’re not just building a business, we’re building hope and bringing dignity to current and future generations of learners.”