The future is golden in Newcastle, with the Sakekamer guiding, motivating and inspiring the next generation of business-people through its annual Entrepreneurs Competition.

Earlier this year, high school learners were invited to submit comprehensive business plans that were assessed on innovation, viability and sound financials.

Only learners who submitted the best business plans were then subjected to a ‘shark tank-style’ high-pressure panel interview where they pitched themselves, their projects and their business solutions directly to a group of multiple judges.

The judges were able to probe, challenge and test the learners’ ideas in real time.

At a gala dinner hosted at Grey Goose on October 30, competition organiser Davida van der Merwe announced the winners, who were awarded generous prizes for their creativity, confidence, innovation and convincing pitch.

South African entrepreneur, property investor, industrial engineer and author (known for becoming a self-made millionaire by the age of 22) Albert van Wyk was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony.

Van Wyk has a passion for helping others succeed, and inspiring young entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and build a better future, thus helping the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.

Recycling rewards and denim bags win top honours

St Dominics learners Nihal Rai and Ahad Zaman won first place in the Group Category of the Sakekamer Entrepreneurs Competition with their business concept called ‘Rewards’, which is geared towards incentivising recycling.

The duo pitched a recycling bin, with separate compartments for different recyclable products, which awards points based on the weight of the recyclable material.

Consumers can then redeem accumulated points for products or services at participating businesses.

The product aims to ‘improve the environment, clean up the streets and make a difference’.

Lincoln Heights Secondary learner Akwande Xulu won first place in the Individual Category, having impressed the judges with his business concept called ‘Newcastle Stitch’.

Xulu explained that Newcastle Stitch aims to turn disposed factory material into something valuable by collecting usable denim offcuts from clothing factories and turning them into strong, re-usable bags.

Xulu’s concept capitalises on the fact that Newcastle is home to several clothing manufacturers, particularly in the Riverside Industrial area.

“We would collect usable offcuts, reducing the amount of leftover material these businesses need to get rid of, and also reducing the cost of getting rid of it. We would then use these off-cuts to produce shopping bags for promotional events and everyday use, in line with the shift from single-use plastic to re-usable bags,” he explained.

Sakekamer chairperson Morné Seaman congratulated every learner who participated in the competition.

“The fact that you had an idea, developed a business plan, challenged yourself and stood up to be counted already puts you ahead of many people who never move beyond simply talking about their dreams,” said Seaman.

Seaman expressed confidence that some of the learners may become successful business owners, and urged parents, teachers and mentors in the business community to continue creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

“Newcastle’s future isn’t something that will simply happen to us. It’s something we must help build,” he urged.

“Young entrepreneurs dream big!

“Experienced entrepreneurs keep inspiring!

“Don’t just aim to be successful, aim to be someone whose energy inspires others to succeed,” concluded Seaman.

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