Addressing the audience, Unathi Njokweni-Magida, head of transformation at Engen Petroleum, spoke about the importance of entrepreneurship and the role that corporates such as Engen are playing in developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem through initiatives such as Pitch & Polish. She went on to applaud the calibre of the contestants this year and the high number of women participants.
Unathi was followed by Alan Shannon, executive sales for RRB Sales and Distribution of Nedbank said, “We’re inspired by the high levels of innovation and the dedication of the entrepreneurs who have participated. It inspires us to do more for the small business community. We all collectively carry the responsibility to grow the economy and Nedbank is proud to be a partner of this programme.”
The three finalists competing were Natasha Warries of Johannesburg, who manufactures a water-based garage forecourt cleaner; Mashela Mokgabudi of Polokwane, who has designed and manufactures a menstrual cup; and Kedibone Tsiloane of Sasolburg, who manufactures bricks from recyclable materials including plastic.
The finalists presented their pitches to a panel of three judges: Allon Raiz, CEO of Raizcorp; Khalid Latiff, general manager for corporate strategy and communications of Engen Petroleum; and Alan Shannon, executive sales for RRB Sales and Distribution of Nedbank.
After each of the three minute-pitches, the judges asked clarifying questions and then delivered their feedback, after which they withdrew to calculate the scores and determine the winner.
In the end, though, it was Mokgabudi who triumphed and walked away with R60,000, along with R20,000 in advertising from ENGEN Pitch & Polish media partner, Caxton Local Media.
The runner up was Tsiloane who received R30,000 with Warries coming in third and receiving R15,000. These prizes are over and above what the finalists won in previous rounds along with the media exposure received over the course of the programme.
