A wave of anticipation sweeps across South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape as the Top 10 finalists of Standard Bank’s Basali Business Pitch Competition 2025 are unveiled. Each finalist represents the spirit of African innovation and the growing influence of women entrepreneurs reshaping the continent’s business future.
The finalists are:
- Itumeleng Matla, CEO of Reneilwe Matla Trading and Projects.
- Lorraine Maphaha, CEO of Mukololo Smart Solutions.
- Mahlatse Mamaila, CEO of INO-Biodiesel.
- Mpho Mogodiri, CEO of Indigenous Delights.
- Nombuso Xam, CEO of Buso Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd.
- Palesa Mzoneli, CEO of Ebony Shades.
- Tumelo Tshwagong, CEO of Tshwagong Farm.
- Wandipha Sotsaka, CEO of Khalipha Business Solutions.
- Zanele Stole (FIISA), CEO of Immaculate Cleaning and Hygiene Services.
- Zaza Letsholo, CEO of ABM Farming Dreams.
As they prepare to take the stage, these ten visionaries are not merely pitching for investment, they are competing to redefine what sustainable, inclusive growth looks like in South Africa. The winners will share R700,000 in grant funding, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, marking another milestone in advancing gender equity in entrepreneurship.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Across South Africa
The Standard Bank Basali Development Programme a cornerstone of this initiative, was launched in November 2021 in partnership with Giving Wings. Its mission is to equip black women-owned businesses with the knowledge, networks and capital needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
“Basali,” derived from Southern Sotho and meaning women, perfectly encapsulates the programme’s essence. Over the course of twelve months, participants embark on a rigorous journey of growth and transformation, gaining access to markets, funding and mentorship. Through interactive online workshops and expert-led masterclasses, they are equipped not only to scale their enterprises but also to lead with confidence in industries that have long been dominated by men.
Bridging the Gender and Opportunity Gap
Despite the progress made, gender and socio-economic disparities remain a defining feature of South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many black women founders still face barriers to finance, mentorship and visibility. The Basali Development Programme confronts these realities head-on by offering practical tools and targeted support.
To date, it has helped hundreds of women entrepreneurs strengthen their business models, formalize operations and connect to local and international markets. The results are tangible, participants report higher turnover, increased employment within their communities and stronger networks across sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to tech and consulting.
At its core, the Basali Business Pitch Competition is more than a contest, it is a movement that celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of African women in business. Each pitch tells a story of persistence, vision and community impact. Whether developing clean energy solutions, reimagining agribusiness or bringing indigenous products to new markets, these finalists embody a future where women are not just participants but key architects of Africa’s economic transformation.
As the finalists step into the spotlight, the excitement builds around what they represent, that is a collective shift towards a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable African economy.
