Kwa-Zulu Natal is set to host Standard Bank’s most dynamic showcase of township entrepreneurship, as 18 standout businesses from across the country, the top two from each province, gather for the Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge Summit 2025 on 27 August 2025. R500,000 in prize money is up for grabs as South Africa’s most promising township entrepreneurs converge for the national finals, following a competitive nine-province pitch process and a national masterclass designed to sharpen their business storytelling and presentation skills.
The Kasi SME Pitch Challenge is a long-standing highlight of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit, previously focused on Gauteng-based entrepreneurs. This year, the competition expanded nationally, giving township businesses in all nine provinces the platform to pitch, showcase their offerings, and unlock new growth opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud of all the participants who stepped up to share their vision. Their courage and passion are what drive the spirit of entrepreneurship in our communities. Our aim is to keep empowering local businesses and help them thrive in today’s tough economic climate with improved market access,” says Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.
She adds, “Standard Bank’s support for local businesses goes beyond financial solutions. Through initiatives like the Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge, and in partnership with like-minded sponsors such as the South African Future Trust, we reaffirm our belief in entrepreneurs as the backbone of our economy, contributing to job creation and national growth.”
This year’s summit is themed “Future-Proofing Kasi Businesses: From Survival to Sustainable Success” and will explore how township entrepreneurs can move from short-term survival to long-term sustainability by building financial resilience, embracing environmental responsibility, and deepening their social impact.
Standard Bank has partnered with the South African Future Trust (SAFT) as a Gold Sponsor for this year’s summit. SAFT’s support reflects a deep commitment to the power of entrepreneurship to drive inclusive growth, unlock innovation, and help communities thrive from the ground up.
Nico Jacobs, CEO of SAFT, adds: “The South African Future Trust, generously enabled by Oppenheimer Generations, prides itself on championing SMEs across South Africa. We believe profoundly that SMEs are the lifeblood of the South African economy and are privileged to play a role in supporting the Kasi SME Summit.”
The 18 regional winners represent a diverse mix of industries, from agriculture and robotics to fashion and mining, and will compete for top honours at the national finals.
The full list of finalists from the nine provinces is as follows and in alphabetical order:
| Business Name | Province |
| Ariel Robotics (Pty) Ltd | Kwa-Zulu Natal |
| Cloudy Deliveries | Western Cape |
| Dirtyfree (Pty) Ltd | Mpumalanga |
| Keiskamma Hygiene Services and Projects | Western Cape |
| KSM Chemicals Solutions | Free State |
| Ndimbi Clothing | Eastern Cape |
| Nhuga Big Five | Limpopo |
| Nolita Keagan Greenhouse Technology (Tanisa) | Mpumalanga |
| Onolo Holdings | Northern Cape |
| Opelne Group | Free State |
| Portable Showers | Gauteng |
| Priscilla R (Pty) Ltd | Limpopo |
| Sibanda Projects and Business Solutions | North-West |
| Sky Drop (Pty) Ltd | Kwa-Zulu Natal |
| Uku Hamba | Gauteng |
| Wallstreet of Mining | Northern Cape |
| War Wore Records | Eastern Cape |
| Xolic Enterprise | North-West |
The Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge forms part of Standard Bank’s broader Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) strategy, which aims to support all majority black-owned SMEs with funding, skills development, and market access. For this year’s Challenge, 15 entrepreneurs were shortlisted in each province, with the top three receiving R30,000, R20,000, and R10,000, respectively. The top two from each province were then selected to compete at the national finals. The ESD programme supports black-owned businesses in South Africa that are at least 51% black-owned, have strong growth potential, and typically operate with an annual turnover of under R50 million.
DID YOU KNOW ?
The Standard Bank ESD programme is designed to strengthen and grow black-owned businesses in South Africa by improving access to funding, skills development, and market opportunities. It targets businesses that are at least 51% black-owned, have a proven operational track record, and demonstrate strong growth potential, typically with an annual turnover of under R50 million.
The ESD programme offers a range of tailored support initiatives, including affordable development funding, business advisory services, mentorship programmes, and supplier development partnerships that connect small businesses to larger corporate value chains. In addition to direct financial support, Standard Bank provides technical assistance, business incubation, entrepreneurial training, and networking opportunities that enable SMEs to build capacity, scale sustainably, and create lasting economic impact within their communities.
The programme supports qualifying enterprises across a range of sectors, with a strategic focus on helping businesses expand their operational footprint, integrate into corporate supply chains, and deliver sustainable job creation.
About SAFT:
SAFT is a purpose-driven organisation committed to supporting South African small businesses and safeguarding jobs by partnering with other impact driven organisations such as Standard Bank. Established in response to the COVID-19 crisis, SAFT has grown into a trusted partner in driving inclusive economic recovery and building long-term resilience in the SME sector.
