Following a nationwide call for ambitious entrepreneurs, the Top 10 aim to represent a cross-section of South African businesses, with ideas spanning healthcare, artificial intelligence, education, transport, cybersecurity, outdoor living, construction and skills development, says the station.

Now, these ten entrepreneurs will compete for the ultimate 'Her Perfect Pitch' prize: R500 000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM, designed to give one winning business the platform and exposure.

"'Her Perfect Pitch' continues to remind us that some of the most powerful business ideas are born from real problems that entrepreneurs see in their own communities," says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “What has stood out this year is not only the ambition of these entrepreneurs, but the depth of thought behind their businesses."

"They are creating solutions, jobs and opportunities while addressing some of the challenges facing South Africans every day. The cherry on top is that all these businesses are led by female entrepreneurs, and Jacaranda FM incredibly proud to give these entrepreneurs a platform and look forward to seeing how their stories unfold," adds Dombo.

According to the station, this year's Top 10 finalists are as follows: 

  • Goodness Thandeka Ngcongo — Orchid Medical: Orchid Medical combines mobile healthcare units, including mammography and cancer screening clinics, with telehealth services and corporate wellness programmes.
  • Kelly Damons — KellyGirl Skills Academy: KellyGirl Skills Academy is focused on turning practical skills into sustainable income opportunities.
  • Kelotilwe Legwabe — Sethakga Cleaning Company: Sethakga Cleaning Company aims to professionalise the cleaning industry while creating sustainable employment opportunities for women and young people.
  • Kinesa Tuganadar — Kindgenix: South African AI company Kindgenix is using technology with the aim to address challenges in the recruitment market through its flagship platform, My-Job.
  • Marcia Mandisi Mabaso — MAH SAMBE: MAH SAMBE is a South African transport and mobility solutions company.
  • Nicola Polmans — Sprung Outdoor Living: Sprung Outdoor Living is bringing a design-led approach to South Africa's outdoor living market.
  • Sharleen Botha — Stratus Cloud Security: Stratus Cloud Security was created during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves customers across Southern Africa.
  • Stephanie Bence — GSB Rental: GSB Rental aims to provide entrepreneurs and contractors with access to high-quality aluminium towers for working safely at height.
  • Tshaamano Mabuba — Buddy Learning: Buddy Learning is tackling barriers to academic support through a hybrid education model that combines human tutors with BuddyAI, a multilingual, curriculum-aligned AI tutor delivered through WhatsApp.
  • Zulfa Nkosi — Zulfa's Glamour Girls Swimming Academy: Zulfa's Glamour Girls Swimming Academy, known as ZGG, was created to address a lack of accessible swimming education in township communities.

The Top 10 finalists will now present their final pitches to the panel of judges. The comprehensive grand prize package includes the conceptualisation, professional production and creation of a dedicated radio advert, along with extensive digital amplification across Jacaranda FM's platforms.

The winner will also receive R20 000 to invest in the business from First For Women, tailored business support and mentorship aimed at covering a custom business model, research consultation, branding consultation, digital strategy and PR consultation, says the station.

The first runner-up receives R100 000 in Jacaranda FM airtime and R15 000 cash while the second runner-up receives with R100 000 in Jacaranda FM airtime and R10 000 cash. In addition, the seven remaining top 10 finalists will each receive R100 000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM and a R5 000 SPAR voucher, aimed at giving more women-led businesses the opportunity to build awareness and reach new audiences, concludes the station.

For more information, visit www.jacarandafm.com. You can also follow Jacaranda FM on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor