Iwisa No.1 competition celebrates community gamechangers

The 2026 Community Champions competition was officially launched by Iwisa No. 1 to celebrate pioneers who work tirelessly in communities to tackle South Africa’s common issues, ranging from education, youth unemployment, and food security.

In its fourth year running, the competition allows entrepreneurs to be recognised,celebrated and supported on a wider national stage.

Senior Brand Manager of Maize, Breakfast and Pasta at Premier FMCG, Phumzile Nhlapo, shared that Iwisa No.1 is celebrating 70 years of playing a role in households ,dinner tables and communities nationwide.

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This is the theme of this year’s competition, Heroes, Heroines and Heritage. She further highlighted that the company’s heritage was built on the belief that, through collaboration, real change can take place, and that the competition reflects this belief.

“Seventy years is more than just a number. It’s a promise kept in every home, every meal that gave a family the strength to face another day.

“It finds the heroes and heroines already at work in our communities, equips them, celebrates them and walks with them long after the spotlight fades” Nhlapo said.

The competition officially opens on May 15 in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, and the Western Cape, and is open to businesses tackling environmental and social issues for more than 2 years.

This year, the prize value rose to R600 000 across all provinces included in the competition.

The top three winners will share a total of R150 000 in cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving R70 000, second place R50 000, and third place R30 000.

Furthermore, every regional winner will receive a specialised package that includes a business bootcamp, skills development, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities with Premier FMCG’s stakeholders.
Nhlapo further highlighted that finalists will also have access to networking opportunities, skill development and expert support.

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In support of achieving South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals, the competition aims to have a significant impact on education and skills development, food and nutrition, health and well-being, and many more, because they believe these sectors will define the future of our communities.

“We want to give people who are already building solutions in these spaces and help give them what they need to grow. The competition is how Iwisa No.1 fills futures.

“This is what 70 years of filling good together has always meant: not just filling stomachs but filling lives with dignity , possibility and quiet powerful knowledge that we are not in this alone” Nhlapo said.

Applications for the Community Champions competition close in July 2026 and must be submitted on the Iwisa No.1 website https://qr.premierfmcg.com/website/2000 .