Finalists in Entrepreneur of the Year announced

The 2013 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year judges have announced the 14 finalists who go through to the next round of the competition, with the winner to be announced on 4 September at the awards breakfast.

1 Aug 2013

Finalists

• Andre Visser (Fabrinox)
• Andrew and Chris Brown (The Daily Buzz)
• Anton Rossouw (Life Path Health)
• Ebrahim Patel (Malcom-Ezindaleni Hydraulics & Engineering)
• Jonathan David Pepler (Silverline Group)
• Lewis Thomas (Partners Hair Design)
• Margaret Hirsch (Hirsch's)
• Mariaan Du Plessis and Conrad Smith (The Medical Nutritional Institute)
• Nandha Moodley (Rubber Engineering)
• Paul Kent (Sureswipe)
• Sue Hadcroft (Cubicle Manufacturing Solutions)
• Tim Matthis (Thirty by Thirty Marketing)
• Tommy Makhatho (Bibi Cash and Carry)
• Wendy Kemp (Accountability Group)

High quality entries

According to Nimo Naidoo, project manager of the competition, the quality of entries received this year significantly impressed the judging panel and has set a precedent in terms of entrepreneurial talent and success in South Africa. It received a record number of entries this year - an increase of over 100% on the 2012 competition.

"The calibre of entrants and quality submission content has improved tremendously in comparison to previous years, which bodes well for South Africa's entrepreneurial future. We would like to congratulate and commend all entrants, as these are the individuals addressing the unemployment crisis in South Africa and positively playing a role in the growth of our economy. They have all made a significant contribution towards society and all deserve to be celebrated."

This year, entrepreneurs from numerous sectors entered the competition, which included the manufacturing, services, retail and construction industry. The 14 finalists operate in various sectors, the most prominent being the manufacturing and engineering and services sectors.

There was a slight increase in the number of entries received from female, as well as black entrepreneurs. Entries were very varied in terms of location and entrepreneurs seem to be spread throughout South Africa. It was also encouraging to see entries from under-developed areas as these entrepreneurs are making great strides in creating jobs for the community.