Local entrepreneur Vanessa Snyman (35) finished among the Top 16 finalists in the Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition.

This reality-style competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in a learning programme where they compete by pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges and stands a chance of winning R1m.

Apart from the prize money, the competition provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to gain valuable mentorship and skills to scale their businesses.

They typically work one-on-one with an expert mentor and also get exposure to potential investors. Snyman grew up in Sasolburg and pursued studies in accounting. However, it was not challenging enough.

She moved to Secunda with her husband eight years ago and started working for a cleaning company contracted by Sasol.

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She managed over 500 cleaners working in 218 buildings. When this cleaning contract ended during the Covid-19 pandemic, Snyman decided on something new.

She joined forces with two business partners, and they came up with a green cleaning solution. They started their own pioneering business, VEZ Tech, the manufacturer of South Africa’s first BioActive toilet paper.

Unlike traditional toilet paper, Snyman’s product contains beneficial bacteria that get activated when it comes into contact with water. The bacteria then release enzymes that break down fats and oils in pipes, which reduces odours, prevents blockages, and improves the sanitation systems.

“It is basically toilet paper with a PhD in plumbing,” said Snyman.

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Snyman and her team did independent dermatological laboratory tests on the toilet paper, which confirmed that it was safe for humans to use.

Furthermore, it will soon be the first Green Tag-certified toilet paper brand in the country. This brand of toilet paper has been among the top sellers at Makro online for a few consecutive months.

“I wanted to start something that nobody has done yet. The odours at toilets do not come from the toilets themselves, but from the pipes.

“I wanted to find a lasting, effective solution to that problem.”

The Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition is broadcast on YouTube and Facebook every Tuesday at 19:00. In her free time, Snyman is a mother to her two children, spends time with friends, or enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, or or watching how other entrepreneurs and companies operate.