National finalists of SAB KickStart 2014 selected

Following an intensive two-week business training course, facilitated by the University's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), an independent panel of adjudicators selected the finalists.

Finalists

1. Abram Rankeng - Rainbow Granite and Marble Works Enterprise (Kimberley, Northern Cape): Marble and granite manufacturing situated in Kimberley
   
2. Benjamin Mdokwana - Ben Petroleum (Cape Town, Western Cape): Repackaging and distribution of paraffin and petrol
   
3. Chad Petersen - Artisans Research Unit (Cape Town, Western Cape): Manufacturing of bespoke leather goods
   
4. Earl Strauss Muller - NAM Petroleum (Springbok, Northern Cape): Manufacturing of bio-diesel
   
5. Jeffery Mafalo - Falo's Wire and Steel (Lebowakgomo, Limpopo): manufactures and distributes wire and steel products
   
6. Leeko Nkala - Chilladiddo (Pty) Ltd (Johannesburg, Gauteng): Production, packaging and distribution of relish in the food and beverage industry
   
7. Lerato Radebe - Imagined Steel & Structural Engineering (Kagiso, Gauteng): Fabrication of products eg. carports, mobile trailers and gates
   
8. Marcia Mofokeng - Alurcia Aluminium and Glass (Katlehong, Gauteng): Manufacturing of aluminium products
   
9. Millicent Nyembe - Nyembe Waste Management (Pretoria, Gauteng): Crime scene cleaning and transportation of health-care risk waste
   
10. Mthandeni Ngidi - Hlobane Waste Management Services CC (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal): Waste management to reduce landfill waste and disposal costs to clients
    
11. Reamogetswe Tshabalala - Pfuxaka Enzokuhle (Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng): Design and manufacturing of tombstones and grave markers
    
12. Sboniso Mtshali - Afronic Data (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal): ICT management and networking solutions; IT hardware and software support
    
13. Scelo Mzimela - Tender Taste Trading (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal): Supplier of fast food to students and industry
    
14. Simphiwe Mazibuko - Ejimini Fitness Club (Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal): Fitness and wellness centre in KwaZulu-Natal
    
15. Siphamandla Javu - Mzansi Telecoms and Projects (East London, Eastern Cape): Specialists in telecommunications solution in the Eastern Cape
    
16. Tshepo Marumule - Tshepo Merafong Trading (Johannesburg, Gauteng): Environment and sustainability solutions specialising in greenhouse gas emission and reporting amongst others
    
17. Tsholofelo Majeng - Maiktronic CC (Kuruman, Northern Cape): Specialists in fabrication of structural metal products
    
18. Wanni Toyana - Otjiwarongo Projects (East London, Eastern Cape): Vegetation management specialising in grass gutting and tree-felling for the public and private industry
    

The programme, one of the longest running initiatives of its kind that started in 1995, is focused on developing and supporting sustainable youth-owned businesses, as well as high impact entrepreneurs who are able to contribute to South Africa's job creation needs.

"It is important that big business in South Africa use their resources, experience and knowledge to help small business become sustainable and strong contributors towards the country's economy. This means investing more than just capital but offering the support and guidance needed to carry these businesses through to success," says Boipelo Nkadimeng, SAB acting head enterprise development and community partnerships.

A needs analysis, conducted on the finalists' businesses, helps define a growth strategy for each. This strategy in turn informs the seed capital awarded for the benefit of each business, as well as the programme and terms of the entrepreneur's individualised business mentorship for the remainder of the year.

The final top three winners of the national finals will be awarded additional grant funding for their businesses later this year during Global Entrepreneurship Week. An independent panel of judges that takes into consideration the overall business performance, business sustainability and its potential, as well as the effective implementation of growth strategies, selects them during the SAB KickStart mentorship and business development phase.