SAB KickStart, one of the country’s longest-running and most successful youth development programmes recently announced it top 21 finalists. Five of these young entrepreneurs featured below hail from KwaZulu-Natal.
Thabang Mofokeng has been the director and CEO of SAMAC Engineering Solutions since 2013, a mechanical engineering business with a core focus on green solutions.
The business specialises in the mechanical and electrical engineering designs (thermal and finite element analysis) and components fabrication. It has two departments: Research and Development, and Component Fabrication.
Its target market includes air-conditioning consultants and event management companies – who make use of its services for wedding, conferences, etc.
SAMAC Engineering Solutions has exclusive rights to supply Phase Change Material – a bio degradable product – that cools down buildings and reduces air-conditioning costs by up to 30%. This material is also used in a new product called Iceless Pour, which is used to serve draught beer without the need for ice – even in hot conditions (outdoor events) because the gel has a higher melting point.
“The benefits of our products – which are green and energy saving – are a shift in load and carbon emissions – and differentiates us from others in the market.”
Kevin Munsamy established KCM Environmental Services in 2015, an environmental monitoring consultancy that helps companies comply with South African environmental regulations.
The business specialises in emissions testing, water quality (Legionella) monitoring, environmental noise testing and soil pollution. Field teams conduct site investigations, sampling and analysis, monitoring and interpretation.
With the established United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 and the carbon tax coming into effect shortly, Kevin saw the need for an independent auditing constancy.
“We are here to help corporations comply because no matter how big or small they are; they have an impact on the environment.”
Siyanda Luthuli established Spectra Flow in 2016, a business that specialises in pumps and general engineering.
The business supplies pumps within the production industry as well as offers installation, repairs to faulty pumps and services those due for maintenance. In addition, it offers laser-alignment services and computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for pump-set and other mechanical requirements.
Nicole Sithole established Frame Your World in 2011, a consulting company. In 2015, she founded Organic Deli Fresh Pasta – a trading company under Frame Your World – that creates and offers a range of organic and preservative free pasta.
As the name suggests, Organic Deli Fresh Pasta) offers consumers – those seeking a healthier lifestyle – a choice of freshly produced pasta, sauces and organic ingredients, at a lower price point.
Zinhle Khumalo established Ikhethelo Textiles in 2015, a clothing and textile manufacturing business.
The business specialises in the production of ready-made clothing – such as corporate uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) and T-shirts – and makes use of locally sourced fabric. In addition, it manufactures hospital linen with Alcopro, a special chemical that helps kill bacteria.
Ikhethelo Textiles is a 100% black-owned business, founded and operated by women from the community.
The top entrepreneurs will be selected based on a number of criteria: those that execute their business strategies most effectively; financial and market growth; and job creation.
These winners will be announced during an award ceremony in November this year when Global Entrepreneurship Month is celebrated.