Soweto agribusiness wins R70,000 in IWISA No 1 competition

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Soweto-based P Agricultural Group (PAG) has won R70,000 in the 2026 IWISA No 1 Gauteng Community Champions competition.

Founded by Phetole Rasesopo, the enterprise focuses on seedling production and distribution, crop supply, agricultural training and capacity development. It works with smallholder farmers, cooperatives and emerging agripreneurs.

PAG aims to connect farmers to markets and support community agriculture initiatives.

Prize supports enterprise growth

Rasesopo said the award would help the enterprise expand its reach beyond Soweto.

“This R70 000 investment, combined with the training, mentorship and network access we will receive, represents so much more for our SME. We are going to use our win to grow our reach in Soweto and beyond – ensuring we can empower and support even more community members on their journey to self-reliance and independence. We’re not just building a business. We’re building hope.”

Lufuno Rasoesoe of TOSH Detergents placed second, receiving R50,000, while Xolani Nopote of X-Shinemo took third place, receiving R30,000. The three winners shared Gauteng’s R150,000 prize pool.

Supporting community enterprises

Now in its fourth year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition recognises social enterprises operating in townships, peri-urban areas and rural communities.

The 2026 competition attracted more than 1,400 entries nationally, including 779 from Gauteng. The total prize pool was increased to R600,000 across four provinces: the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng and Western Cape.

The competition covers areas including food security and nutrition, education and skills development, health and wellbeing, clean and affordable energy, recycling, and digital and technology innovation. Alongside cash prizes, finalists receive training, mentorship and business development support.