Jacaranda FM Her Perfect Pitch 2024

I have a background in Defence, Aerospace, and Engineering and am passionate about driving digital and financial inclusion. My goal is to create opportunities for underserved youth by providing digital and tech training. I’ve seen how gatekeepers block many young people from accessing these fields, and I believe everyone deserves a chance to improve their lives. We offer courses in digital skills, entrepreneurship, drone piloting, AI development, cybersecurity, data science, and more.

Esisipho K is an agribusiness focused on feedlotting and supplying A-grade beef, sheep, pigs, and chickens to the local market. We also process meat into products like sausages, mincemeat, Russians, and biltong. Driven by a desire to reduce meat imports and provide fresh, organic options to our community, we supply households, butcheries, retailers, wholesalers, and abattoirs. We’re proud to be listed by Shoprite, supplying 147 stores across KZN.

Inspired by the talent from my non-profit, Knoop Academy, which trains small-scale crafters, I saw how trend guidance and market access could unlock their potential. Our business focuses on renewing post-industrial textile waste, turning scraps into opportunities for these crafters. This renewal not only saves waste from landfills but also revitalizes their dreams. The collaboration and high quality standards they've developed show their belief in their own worth and potential.

Mazondo Gas (Pty) Ltd, founded by Busisiwe Zondo in 2021 in Germiston, South Africa, is a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) retailer. Driven by the country’s electricity shortages, the business meets growing demand for affordable, portable energy. Based in Katlehong, Mazondo Gas plans to expand its refilling capacity and introduce complementary products like household appliances. The company currently serves households, schools, and small businesses, with the goal of growing into a wholesale LPG supplier.

Ovo Protein was created from a personal need for an affordable, tasty protein source. Our PURE Egg White Powder is fat-free, low-carb, and high-quality—perfect for cooking, baking, and shakes. We target bodybuilders, health enthusiasts, keto dieters, athletes, and anyone wanting clean protein. Sold online with influencer support, we aim to grow brand awareness and make healthy living accessible.

Boot and Rally began in 2018 as a side hustle to support my family. Within six months, demand grew so fast we moved to commercial premises. We manufacture and sell affordable, genuine leather goods—handbags, travel bags, backpacks, wallets—proudly made in South Africa. The response has been incredible!

My daughter and I started this business after she struggled to find employment seven years ago. Combining our skills in medicine, science, animation, and art, we launched a medical animation studio to simplify healthcare communication. We’ve since created a South African animated character and series to inspire tween and teen girls to dream big. Our business model includes commissioned projects for medical and other clients, plus producing original content licensed to international distributors.

Launched in 2022, PickMe empowers users by skill-matching them with real-time job opportunities using AI. It reduces job search time and cost while improving employment success. PickMe also offers free training modules and mentorship to boost skills and career growth. Innovative in-app features help users build long-term financial stability, aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Royal Grand Camagu Farmers was founded to honor the legacy of overlooked Black farmers and carry forward their spirit through young Black women. Operating on 16 hectares of inherited land in the North West, the business was self-funded and launched in October 2022. Despite no external funding, the team built infrastructure, hired workers, and planted their first crops. Their debut harvest—200 bundles of Rape and Mustard Spinach—sold out the same day. Since then, they’ve supplied Boxer, local stores, Tshwane Market, and street vendors, driven by passion, resilience, and strong business acumen.

Trans4mation Consulting specializes in advisory services for corporates with revenue over R50 million, helping them meet BBBEE compliance through ownership structuring, score assessments, and audit support. We also offer ESG and sustainability training, assessments, and reporting. As implementation partners in incubation programs, we coach and mentor SMMEs, having worked with Fetola, ESD 123, and others. Additionally, I publish BEENGAGED MAGAZINE, a quarterly transformation magazine launched in June 2024. The next issue drops on 1 November 2024. Visit www.beengagedmagazine.co.za for subscriptions and advertising.

Kolor Faktory was founded to address a gap in the beauty industry—high-quality foundation for dark skin tones. As a dark-skinned woman, I struggled to find products that matched my complexion, inspiring me to create a brand tailored to the needs of underserved consumers in the Sub-Saharan region. Our liquid foundations are designed to match a range of dark skin tones, withstand harsh climates, and offer both coverage and skin-reparative benefits. We currently offer four high-definition shades, meeting the growing demand for inclusive, effective beauty solutions.

In 2019, while unemployed and battling depression, I used my last savings to buy a box of eggs to resell in my community. With the profit, I purchased 20 laying hens and started a small backyard farm. A year later, a grant from NYDA Mpumalanga helped me scale to 400 hens and launch full egg production. Our customer base expanded to guesthouses, restaurants, and tuckshops. Today, Eggsellent by Lebo supplies six boarding schools in Mpumalanga and, with further support from the Department of Agriculture in 2023/2024, has grown into a commercial egg farm.

With over 15 years in the engineering industry, I’ve faced and overcome many challenges as a young woman in the field. Driven by this experience, I founded Sizakele Design Engineering and Transit (SDET) in 2018—a 100% female-owned South African company offering innovative engineering solutions. Our skilled team delivers quality design, construction, and maintenance services, including electrical installations, gearbox and motor supply, pump and valve servicing, and precision machining using CNC and conventional equipment. SDET is committed to empowering future generations, especially young women in engineering.

Hubba Hubba offers South Africa’s widest range of comfortable, breathable underwear in 14 inclusive sizes (XS–10XL), blending affordability, playfulness, and ethical production in Cape Town. With strong customer demand, the brand aims to grow into a global body-positive movement centered on authenticity, inclusivity, and comfort for all, especially marginalized bodies.

Mishies Company was founded with a passion for sustainable solutions to community challenges. Starting with a bakery and catering service, we expanded into biomass energy by converting food waste into renewable biogas. Our circular business model addresses food waste and energy shortages while generating revenue from both food services and clean energy. We serve households, small businesses, and environmentally conscious communities impacted by load shedding, tapping into the growing demand for renewable energy and waste management.

Built on a family legacy, my company leads in high-quality wall coatings inspired by my father’s expertise in gamazine and glamour coatings. Our innovative products—Gamazine (textured, stone-like finish), Glamour Coat (glossy marble quartz with glitter), and Stucco (smooth marble patterns)—offer durable, stylish alternatives to traditional paint. Targeting architects, interior designers, developers, and homeowners, we serve South Africa’s R13 billion paint market.

Sabafuraha began in 2017 as a creative way to fund a plane ticket home and has grown into a vibrant brand celebrating African culture. We design African-inspired medical scrubs, uniforms, and corporate wear that blend professionalism with cultural pride. Our products allow clients—especially healthcare and corporate professionals—to express their heritage through stylish, meaningful attire. With a focus on sustainability, we repurpose fabric offcuts into journals and pencil cases, and through our foundation, we empower women from disadvantaged communities with jobs and skills training.

Ghemere was born from a passion for African traditions and the desire to connect people through our heritage drink. We modernize traditional ginger beer by offering both a ready-to-drink and concentrated version for convenience and customization. Our target market includes health-conscious consumers, cultural enthusiasts, and those seeking unique, meaningful beverages. With local and international appeal, our business model includes retail, online sales, events, and a reseller program that empowers local entrepreneurs. Ghemere blends tradition, innovation, and impact in every sip.

MCLAU SOLUTIONS is a growing company in chemical formulation, manufacturing, and distribution. Inspired by a passion for chemistry, we produce industrial and domestic detergents, including heavy-duty chemicals for mining. We fill a local market gap by supplying mines nearby, reducing their need to outsource products from over 500 km away, cutting costs and improving efficiency.

Sitr was inspired by the struggle to find reliable in-home care for children, pets, and elderly loved ones. As an au pair and sitter, I saw the communication gap between caregivers and families. Sitr offers a seamless platform that uses smart matching to connect clients with trusted, vetted caregivers for babysitting, pet care, house sitting, nannies, and frail care. Our main market includes busy professionals, dual-income families, and the elderly, with strong growth potential due to rising demand for flexible care.

We've identified a key gap in accessing and aggregating bank statement data, which slows down and undermines the accuracy of affordability assessments for credit providers. Our solution is an innovative tool that streamlines bank statement retrieval, improves data aggregation, and enhances assessment accuracy. Aimed at credit providers, our model combines in-house development—to protect IP and maintain quality—with outsourced support for non-core functions like HR, finance, and sales. We're focused on transforming the credit evaluation process through efficiency and innovation.

Founded in 2016, VPC Plumbing and Construction is a proudly woman-owned business specializing in the supply, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems and handheld fire equipment in Pretoria. Certified by SABS, SAQCC, PIRB, and IOPSA, we uphold the highest standards of quality and safety. Born from the challenges I faced breaking into the industry, VPC was created to empower others facing similar barriers. Our mission is to lead with resilience, excellence, and community impact—expanding our reach and setting new standards in the industry.

Marabou Essentials was born from my passion for art and African heritage. After leaving chemical engineering, I created a brand that empowers local artisans through handcrafted, hand-painted jewelry blending traditional and modern design. We target fashion-forward customers, tourists, and corporate clients seeking unique, ethical accessories. Our model includes sales via online, retail, and workshops, with a focus on sustainability and storytelling through upcycled materials, making each piece a wearable experience.

Hakem Energies is an impact-driven enterprise focused on tackling energy poverty by making LPG accessible in marginalized communities. We aim to reduce socio-economic challenges like shack fires, paraffin poisoning, and lack of electricity by offering safe, affordable energy alternatives. Our Hakem LPG Box uses portable 5kg cylinders and pay-as-you-go technology, making gas both accessible and affordable. We also prioritize community education on LPG safety and usage.

Setšong African Tea Crafters is a South African brand specializing in indigenous, wild-harvested tea blends like wild bush and red root tea. Committed to rural empowerment—especially women and youth—and sustainability, we blend traditional knowledge with modern methods to create premium, caffeine-free teas rich in antioxidants. Our target market includes health-conscious consumers, tea lovers, corporate gifting, and hospitality sectors. We focus on fair trade, environmental care, and expanding locally and globally.

Tshepiso Branding Solutions aims to lead sustainable branding in South Africa by helping businesses share authentic GREEN stories. Since 2018, we’ve offered eco-friendly solutions like expo stands, merch, digital cards, and bags made from recycled materials. Aligned with key SDGs, we support emerging brands to grow responsibly. Proudly partnering with VISA, SPUR, Liberty, and others, we’re committed to creating positive environmental impact and inspiring others to do the same.

Turbo Auto Works (Pty) Ltd, established on 27 July 2021 and based in Hercules, specializes in quality-assured mechanical repairs. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Tshwane South College and struggling to gain industry experience, I founded the company to empower female students through skills training and real-world practice—addressing the gender gap in the automotive sector, where only 12.3% of artisans are women. Our services include diagnostics, engine overhauls, gearbox and differential repairs, brake replacements, suspension work, and mechatronic programming. We serve clients such as RT46 SYSTEM, We Buy Cars, embassies, colleges, warranty clients, and cash customers. We're also developing a mechanical tracking app to enhance customer safety.

In 2009, job hunting as a young adult was tough—so I took matters into my own hands and started a business, despite having no prior experience. Fifteen years later, that one-person venture has grown into a thriving company with a team of seven passionate individuals.

Inspired by my grandmother’s seagrass weaving, I rediscovered the craft in 2015 and learned to weave baskets—soon expanding to pedestals and furniture. This passion became Ambesha Africa, founded in 2016. "Ambesha," meaning "to dress or decorate" in Tsonga, reflects our love for beautifully crafted furniture tailored to our clients’ spaces. Based in Bushbuckridge, we are a proudly South African manufacturer and repairer of patio furniture. What started with 2 employees has grown to 15, supporting over 70 direct beneficiaries. Our hybrid model serves the hospitality sector, property developers, decorators, retailers, offices, and homeowners.

I originally bought the product from the U.S. to help with hair and bone loss caused by breast cancer treatment. It worked incredibly well but was costly to import, so I researched and located the European lab behind the key mineral. Impressed by its proven health and beauty benefits, I traveled to Europe, secured the rights to manufacture and distribute it across Africa, the UAE, and the Middle East. I now sell it under my own brand, using their trademark backed by over 30 years of clinical research. Best of all, it’s 100% vegan.