Innovator of the Year®: Tebogo Kale, Gravitas Minerals

Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year®: Professor Monique Zaahl, GENEdiagnostics

Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year®: Hamilton Stephenson, Technogrid

Medium Business Entrepreneur® and Job Creator of the Year®: Thatiso Dube, GALXBOY

Overall winner

Entrepreneur of the Year® 2025: Aphiwe Khambule, 21st Century Funerals

Kale developed the Optima Process, a patented, waterless technology for coal separation. By eliminating water from mineral beneficiation, he has created a transformative solution for mining at a critical time. “I wanted to show that mining can be both productive and sustainable,” he explains.

His breakthrough has earned him the Innovator of the Year® award at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards.

Through proprietary technologies and unique equipment, Gravitas Minerals has expanded across the African continent, processing coal, iron ore, and manganese. These innovations improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, demonstrating that environmental responsibility is not a trade-off with business success. Kale is most proud of their results in processing chrome tailings. Without the use of any chemicals, the system is able to extract the chrome so well that the remainder can be sold as building sand.

Kale’s vision goes beyond technology. He invests in people through skills development internships with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), local employment initiatives, and school partnerships promoting environmental education. For him, a sustainable industry means building sustainable talent.

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says, “Tebogo’s work doesn’t just challenge the debate of ‘profit versus planet’; it ends it. He has proven, with patented, scalable technology, that what is good for the environment can also be great for the bottom line. This is the kind of practical, world-changing innovation South Africa can offer the globe.”

Determined to bridge the gap, she founded GENEdiagnostics in 2010. After eight years of persistent effort, the company became fully operational. Since 2020, GENEdiagnostics has achieved an annual growth rate of 30%, outpacing the South African industry average of 17%.

While COVID was a calamity for most businesses, it was a breakthrough for GENEdiagnostics. The small lab benefited from contracts to do COVID testing. More importantly, the pandemic changed the culture. There was a massive increase in awareness of genetics and health, and with it, a huge spike in the demand for genetic tests.

This success has continued, augmented by relentless innovation, including unique screening panels for gut health and cardiac risk.  GENEdiagnostics is about to launch a pharmaco-genetic app that analyses the genetic information of a user to determine which medicines they might be incompatible with – a first-of-its-kind in the world.

“Every patient deserves information that helps them make proactive health decisions,” says Prof Zaahl. Her work ensures people receive personalised care based on accurate, actionable insights.

She is also committed to developing the next generation of scientific talent. Through partnerships with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and National Research Foundation (NRF), GENEdiagnostics runs internship programmes that give young scientists critical work experience.

It is for her tenacity and success in transforming healthcare access that Prof Zaahl has been named Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year® at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards.

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says, “Professor Zaahl’s ability to translate complex science into an impactful business is inspiring. We are confident that with this award and its benefits, including a share of the R2 million prize pool, she and her business will continue to flourish and improve the health of our nation.”

When he took over the business in 2016, essentially buying back the patents he had worked on and sold a decade earlier, Technogrid had just three employees. Today, the company is a trusted international supplier of specialised industrial safety solutions to companies including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Ford.  Its specialised energy-absorbing equipment is installed as safety buffers in mineshafts and factories in South Africa, Australia, Canada and even Mongolia. With exports forming a significant share of turnover, the company demonstrates that South African manufacturing can compete on the world stage.

Stephenson says the company could be run from anywhere in the world, but he took a conscious decision to base it in South Africa.

His leadership extends beyond business performance. He successfully led the bid for South Africa to host the 2027 Hoist & Haul International Conference and is sponsoring 50 young engineers to attend, building pathways for the next generation of industrial talent.

Stephenson’s journey of rebuilding Technogrid earned him the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® title at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards.

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says,

“Hamilton’s story is a powerful counter-narrative to the challenges facing the manufacturing sector. He has not only achieved global growth but is actively investing in the industry’s future. It’s this blend of commercial acumen and forward-thinking leadership that this award recognises.”

In a year marked by economic uncertainty, with growth projected between 0.9% and 1.6%, inflation rising to 3.5%, and unemployment stubbornly high at 33.2%, South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are proving to be a beacon of resilience, innovation, and job creation.

Five trailblazing entrepreneurs are demonstrating how ingenuity and unconventional leadership can drive success against the odds. Honoured at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards, these innovators are transforming the nation’s economy one breakthrough at a time.

Aphiwe Khambule’s path to becoming South Africa’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year® didn’t follow a traditional route. Before becoming Chief Operating Officer of 21^st Century Funeral Services, she worked in fashion, digital media, and travel operations.

But it was witnessing her father, Mduduzi, serve families during their most vulnerable moments that shaped her purpose. “I saw the compassion, the late nights, the quiet strength it takes to bring comfort when people need it most,” she reflects.

Now leading the second generation of a family business disrupting a R10 billion industry, Khambule has introduced the MYPrestige Rewards programme, offering policyholders benefits like airtime, grocery vouchers, and free career, legal, and medical support. She has also expanded into financial services, recognising that families need more than just a casket; they need options, breathing space, and support.

Khambule shares the spotlight with four other entrepreneurs who are reshaping South Africa’s business landscape.

1. Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year® went to Professor Monique Zaahl, founder of GENEdiagnostics, which addresses a critical gap in genetic testing in South Africa. Fully operational since 2018, the company has achieved a 28% compound annual growth rate and partnered with organisations including the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and National Research Foundation (NRF) to mentor the next generation of scientists.
2. Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year® was awarded to Hamilton Stephenson of Technogrid. Taking over a three-employee shell company in 2016, he transformed it into a manufacturer of industrial safety systems for clients including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Ford. Beyond business growth, he champions young engineers and supports initiatives like Free to Fly and Naomi’s Joy.
3. Medium Business Entrepreneur and Job Creator of the Year® went to Thatiso Dube of GALXBOY. From selling T-shirts from the boot of his car in 2008, Dube now operates 15 stores across eight provinces and employs over 200 young South Africans. His dual award recognises both his business success and commitment to youth employment.
4. Innovator of the Year® was awarded to Tebogo Kale, CEO of Gravitas Minerals. His waterless coal separation technology, the Optima Process, is driving sustainability in a water-scarce country. Gravitas Minerals also invests in skills development and environmental education through Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) internships and school partnerships.

“From funeral services to fashion, what connects these five entrepreneurs is their refusal to accept ‘this is how it’s always been done’,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “They’re showing that unconventional backgrounds are not a disadvantage, but a superpower and that youth can be an advantage, not a liability.”

Each winner receives a share of the R2 million prize package, which includes cash prizes, strategic mentorship, and business exposure – resources to amplify their impact and inspire the next generation of South African entrepreneurs.

Dube’s journey is the ultimate comeback story. In 2008, he was designing and selling T-shirts to his friends at school. They proved so popular that he started selling them to the other kids, but he never thought of it as a business. It was Ama Kip Kip that inspired him to think of his designs as the building blocks of a brand rooted in the rebellious youth street culture of South Africa.  By 2014, he opened a physical store, but it eventually closed.

Where many would have seen a dead end, Dube saw a lesson. He enrolled in retail management courses and honed his skills on campaigns for major brands, using that knowledge to rebuild GALXBOY on a stronger foundation.

The results speak for themselves. Today, GALXBOY is a dominant force in African fashion. Recently named South Africa’s most admired brand by Brand Africa 100, the company operates 15 stores across eight provinces alongside its strong e-commerce presence, employs over 200 young South Africans, and is worn by cultural icons across the continent.

Dube’s resilience and vision have earned him two of South Africa’s top entrepreneurial honours at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards: Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year® and the coveted Job Creator of the Year®.

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says:

“Thatiso’s story captures the spirit of resilience we aim to celebrate. Winning both the Job Creator and Medium Business awards is a powerful statement. He hasn’t just built a successful company; he has created a cultural touchstone and provided meaningful employment for hundreds of young South Africans.”

Dube reflects, “Setbacks don’t define you. How you respond to them does.”

Before joining her family business, 21^st Century Funerals, Khambule worked as a fashion and beauty editor, in digital media, and in travel. Watching her father, Mduduzi, support families during vulnerable moments inspired her. “I saw the compassion, the late nights, the quiet strength it takes to bring comfort when people need it most,” she reflects.

Today, as the winner of the 2025 Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® award, Khambule is redefining what funeral cover means for families. She has injected the business with the vibrancy and creativity she gained from her years in fashion, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. A modern funeral service exists not only to provide support, emotionally, socially, and financially, but to help families celebrate a life well lived,” she explains.

 Under her leadership, the company launched MYPrestige Rewards, a loyalty programme providing healthcare discounts, education support, airtime, and grocery vouchers.

Khambule is also tackling systemic issues, running learnerships that address unemployment and leading projects to mitigate South Africa’s cemetery shortage. For her, innovation isn’t about abandoning tradition, it’s about honouring it while meeting modern needs.

David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says: “Aphiwe personifies the future of South African business, where leaders see their companies not just as commercial engines, but as platforms for holistic community support. She has taken one of our most traditional industries and infused it with a modern philosophy of lifetime value. This ability to see beyond the transaction to create a legacy of care is exactly the kind of transformative thinking our country needs.”

Khambule’s win proves that no industry is too traditional to innovate, and no entrepreneur is too young to make an impact.

“These entrepreneurs represent the forward momentum of South Africa’s economy,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “They’re not just building successful businesses; they’re creating jobs, driving innovation, and positioning South Africa as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.”

This year’s cohort is defined by several key trends: women entrepreneurs are in the clear majority (10 of 15), many of them succeeding in male-dominated industries like mining and construction. While entrepreneurial success is concentrated in the economic hubs of Gauteng (8) and the Western Cape (4), there is also representation from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Tech and ICT have emerged as dominant growth sectors, balanced by a strong showing from industries as diverse as biotech, professional services, hospitality, and apparel.

The finalists in the competition’s three categories are:

Emerging Entrepreneur – Awarded to an entrepreneur who has operated their business for one to five years:

• Lebohang Madubanya – Future Nurses Nursing School, a private nursing higher education institution.
• Prof Monique Zaahl – GENEdiagnostics, a genetic testing, research, and training business.
• Thandiwe Shema – Jalusi Corporation, an enterprise co-developing solutions to mitigate business growth constraints for SMEs.
• Bongiwe Masoka – ZakhiAfrica, a provider of professional cleaning and hygiene services.
• Thabile Makhoba – Makhoba Professional Services, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company.

Small Business Entrepreneur – Recognising owners of businesses with an annual turnover of between R10million and R50 million:

• Tryphina Moeketsi Maile – The Well Digger Pty Ltd, a provider of construction and sanitation services.
• Raisibe Esther Senoamadi – Bashumi Instruments and Control Services, a supplier of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Wendy Thembeka Dlomo -The Living Collective, a full-service self-catering accommodation rental company.
• Tebogo Kale – Gravitas Minerals, a fine mineral separation technology company.
• Hamilton Stephenson – Technogrid (Pty) Ltd, a global provider of energy-absorbing systems for mining and heavy industry.

Medium Business Entrepreneur – Presented to an entrepreneur leading a business with an annual turnover of over R50 million:

• Louw Barnardt – Outsourced CFO, a financial management services firm for founders.
• Thatiso Dube -GALXBOY, an African design and apparel brand.
• Aphiwe Khambule – 21st Century Funeral Services, a funeral insurance and burial service provider.
• Damian Michael – Innovo Networks, a communications and internet service provider.
• Eva Biyela – Big Sky Travel and Tours, a full-service travel agency.

The next step for the 15 finalists is the final judging round, where the winner in each category will be determined. From there, one winner will be named the overall South Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year® 2025. Two special awards may also be conferred: the Job Creator of the Year Award for the finalist who has made the most significant contribution to employment, and the Innovator of the Year Award for an entrepreneur who has introduced a ground-breaking product or service.

The competition culminates at a late-October awards ceremony, where winners will be awarded a prize package designed to catalyse their next phase of growth. This includes a share of R2 million in capital, high-level strategic mentorship, and business exposure opportunities.

“Behind each of these businesses is an entrepreneur who saw an opportunity where others saw obstacles,” concludes Morobe. “Their impact extends far beyond their own balance sheets – they’re creating jobs, developing skills, and strengthening the economic fabric of our country.”

About the Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards

 The Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards recognise and honour the value and contributions of established South African entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. Now in its 37^th year, the annual awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship with the aim of inspiring others to venture into and succeed in the world of business ownership. The awards recognise and empower South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge, networks and exposure. It is widely considered to be the pre-eminent awards competition of its kind in the country and has served as a business growth springboard for past finalists and winners.

In this context, 84% of SMEs expect their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, 69% are confident the economy will be conducive to growth, and confidence in access to finance has risen to 64%. At the same time, cash flow, economic conditions, and access to funding remain the top concerns, and confidence that clients will pay on time sits at 72%, up 3 points year on year. This signals cautious but determined momentum despite ongoing pressures.

In the face of ongoing challenges and opportunities, South African entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. But resilience alone is not enough.

Beyond Encouragement: The Need for Tangible Support

 “What SMEs need now is more than encouragement — they need tangible support,” says Trudy Maleka, founder of Ambesha Africa and 2024 Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year. Her call for action reflects the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how South Africa supports its small business sector.

Maleka advocates for a comprehensive support ecosystem that includes better access to funding, practical mentorship programs, skills development platforms, and meaningful involvement in policy decisions that affect the sector. “We need a seat at the table when policies are made,” she emphasises. “No one understands SME challenges better than the people living them.”

The solution isn’t just about money – it’s about creating an environment where businesses can focus on growth rather than navigating bureaucratic obstacles. Simplifying regulatory processes is crucial for business owners to channel their energy into building rather than battling red tape.

The Power of Mentorship and Community

James Barrington-Brown, founder of NewSpace Systems and recipient of the 2024 Innovator of the Year award, reinforces the critical importance of mentorship and collaborative learning environments. “As the sole founder of my company, one of the best decisions I made early on was choosing an excellent business mentor,” he reflects. “It’s lonely and tough being a CEO, and having someone to bounce ideas off in a safe space made a massive difference.”

Barrington-Brown champions business incubators as powerful tools for SME development. “They don’t just offer affordable office space,” he explains. “They build communities where start-ups can learn from each other, share ideas, and grow faster.” For him, success in South Africa’s challenging entrepreneurial landscape isn’t about a single breakthrough – it’s about having the right ecosystem in place.

Government and Private Sector: A Partnership Imperative

 The path forward requires unprecedented collaboration between government and the private sector. Maleka advocates for partnerships that can be “game-changers” for the SME sector. The focus must shift from reactive support to proactive ecosystem building that addresses the fundamental barriers preventing small businesses from thriving.

 Success Stories: Proof of Concept

Both Maleka and Barrington-Brown credit platforms like the Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® competition as pivotal moments in their entrepreneurial journeys. These programmes demonstrate the transformative power of connecting entrepreneurs with mentorship, visibility, funding opportunities, and comprehensive support systems.

Since winning her award, Ambesha Africa has expanded its product range, secured shelf space with a major retailer, and attracted new customers and talent. NewSpace Systems continues to thrive under new leadership, while Barrington-Brown has shifted his focus to nurturing several start-ups and scale-ups within South Africa’s emerging space sector.

These success stories illuminate a broader truth: South Africa’s small business sector is brimming with potential. With the right support infrastructure, these entrepreneurs can transform challenges into opportunities, creating sustainable businesses that generate employment and drive economic growth.

The country’s SMEs have already proven their resilience and innovation. Now they need the ecosystem to match their ambition – access to mentorship, funding, skills development, and simplified processes that allow them to focus on what they do best: building businesses that create value and jobs.

Entries for the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards close on 31 August 2025. Entrepreneurs across all sectors are encouraged to apply at www.eoy.co.za.

 Policy Changes Are Underway, but Private Sector Support Remains Crucial

The government has introduced the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, which aims to simplify access to both financial and non-financial support by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. “This legislation is a step in the right direction,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “However, policy on its own won’t be enough. The private sector must play a role in providing the capital, mentorship, networks, and exposure that entrepreneurs need to succeed.”

 Supporting SMEs to Build Stronger Local and Global Footprints

 The 37th annual Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards, open from1 July 2025, is one platform that seeks to identify and support South African individuals running successful SMEs.

The Awards are open to owners of SMEs across three categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, and Medium Business Entrepreneur. Five finalists will be selected in each category, with the finalist who makes the most contribution to employment and skills development in the country being awarded the Job Creator award. Depending on entries received, an Innovator of the Year award can be conferred to a finalist who has introduced an innovative product or service to the market.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of October 2025 and share in R2 million worth of prizes, including cash awards, mentorship, technical assistance and business exposure opportunities.

“The businesses that get shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards represent the excellence and resilience of South Africa’s SME entrepreneurs,” notes Morobe. “Their growth and success contribute to the country’s economic growth and open doors to broader markets and investment opportunities.”

Perfect Timing for Maximum Impact

With South Africa hosting the 2025 G20 and B20 summits in November, bringing together economies representing 85% of the world’s GDP and nearly 80% of international trade, this year’s winners will gain unprecedented exposure opportunities.

“At a time when global attention is focused on South Africa, entrepreneurs have a brief but powerful window to elevate their businesses beyond local constraints,” shares Morobe. “The summits offer the country’s entrepreneurs a once-in-a-generation opportunity to engage with influential decision-makers, forge cross-border partnerships, and position their businesses for international growth.”

He adds that South African SMEs already embody the B20 theme of ‘Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation’. “The summit provides a platform for South Africa to showcase how homegrown enterprises are setting standards for inclusive and sustainable growth.”

“With the right support, South African entrepreneurs are ready to lead; not only within domestic markets, but on the global stage,” concludes Morobe. “The Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards are more than a platform for recognition; they’re an investment in the country’s future growth engines. As global attention turns to South Africa, this is a rare opportunity to demonstrate the strength, scale, and ambition of our SME sector. The momentum is here, now we need to match it with action.”

Entries for the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards close on 31 August 2025. Enter now at www.eoy.co.za.