INO-Biodiesel has been announced as the 2024 IWISA No 1 Community Champion of Gauteng! Facing stiff competition from deserving finalists across the region, Mahlatse Mamaila, the social entrepreneur behind INO-Biodiesel returns home equipped with R30 000 in prize money, and ready and motivated to continue making a real difference in the lives of the over 20 000 individuals her social enterprise connects.
Mahlatse Mamaila from INO-Biodiesel; Makatu Tshivhula from The Light Candles and Vutomi Lubisi from Eully’s Cakery were named first, second and third place winners of the Gauteng IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition in Ormonde, Johannesburg on Friday.
Guests, supporters and fellow champions applauded loudly when IWISA No 1’s expert judging panel made the much-anticipated announcement – having witnessed the compelling morning session of “pitching” by the 10 remarkable SMEs shortlisted from the region. Each of the winners takes home with prize money that will be used to further build, grow and sustain their social enterprises. They will also attend in-person expert business development training with winners from other participating regions later in the year.
Now in its second year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition recognises the contribution of local social entrepreneurs who have developed viable township SMEs that solve for a social need such as crime, poverty or unemployment. The competition journey is designed to prepare regional finalists from Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern and Western Cape to “pitch” their SMEs to a panel of experts to win their share of the collective R60 000 allocated per region.
In the weeks leading up to the regional final, the 10 shortlisted SMEs received expert training focused on their marketing and sales abilities. In this way, they strengthened the skills needed to continue taking their SMEs to market – building sustainability as a direct outcome of participating in the competition.
“The build-up to this year’s regional finals was very exciting,” says Sibongile Mooko, Premier Executive: Marketing (Milling). “Not only did we receive almost 600 entries in total across the four participating regions, but the quality of applications was also significant. As a brand committed to building strong communities and empowering individuals, we were touched and humbled by the exceptional contributions social enterprises are making across our nation. We thank everyone who participated and wish them every possible success.”
She adds that the compelling purpose driving each of the finalists made for very difficult decision-making by the judges. “From stories about how entrepreneurs are supporting confectionery SMEs and bakers in rural areas; manufacturing environmentally-friendly detergent in townships, and unlocking international au pair opportunities for local youth, each of these SMEs is making a very positive social impact in their immediate communities. I commend everyone who presented: you did yourselves and the causes you represent proud. As IWISA No 1 we have heard you and will continue looking for ways to support you.”
Delighted winner Mahlatse Mamaila from INO-Biodiesel says that the R30 000 received will be invested in an advanced processing machine that will be used by 40 unemployed youth who will be joining the SME this November to help increase manufacturing capacity. “Our SME produces biodiesel from used cooking oil. We buy this from over 200 Kasi restaurants and Abomama who cook amagwinya – creating an additional revenue stream for their SMMEs. Our value chain extends to over 20 000 women and youth across Mpumalanga, North-West and Gauteng.
“Our work is about our collective future. The 40 youth who will be joining our SME will learn about green-fuel manufacturing, and engage in water and environmental research.”
As to Mamaila’s advice for upcoming social entrepreneurs? “Believe in yourself and your vision. Start small. Start now. And do it with audacity!”
Mooko thanked everyone who contributed to making the competition journey so fulfilling. “As IWISA No 1, we’d like to thank our competition partners the Silulo Foundation and the IDC, our organisers and internal team. None of this would have been possible without your hard work and commitment. We’re excited to see how we build on this remarkable event going forward.”
When asked about next year’s IWISA No 1’s Community Champions event, Mooko says social enterprises should keep watching this space: “We remain committed to growing game-changing enterprises across South Africa. They’re building stronger communities by overcoming challenges and positively impacting our collective futures. We will continue supporting them through this competition and other flagship programmes – and find new ways to enable our country’s Community Champions!”