The world of entrepreneurship and business is one of uncertainty and reward. The delicate balance of knowing and believing that you have a product or service that people need and want – and then ensuring that it translates to sales, growth and sustainability. In our home, the conversation topic with my daughter now includes encouraging her to think about becoming a businessowner, whilst she also pursues what she would like to as a profession. Mind you, she is seven years old, but we want her to know that she does not need to choose either or, she can do both – and even be a successful serial entrepreneur.

I can see in her eyes that she’s trying to understand why her parents would encourage her to juggle it all and in conversation and practical examples we try explain to her what it means to be an entrepreneur. Lemonade stand, dog walking and the like are examples we’ve told her about – and even that once upon a time we had a smoothie business (a story for another day) – but the idea is for her to start seeing opportunities around her, ask questions and know that there are terms such as passion projects, side hustles / gig economy that she will hear.

Speaking to some of the 15 finalists in this year’s 37th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® competition reminded me that this journey is not linear at all. The stops and starts, the setbacks, the growth, evolution and pivots are all part and parcel of the entrepreneurship journey. As exhausting and heartbreaking as it can be at times, the finalists all said something similar – they would not trade it for anything.

The 2025 cohort was defined by several key trends: women entrepreneurs were in the clear majority (10 of 15), and also, they were doing fantastic work in what is usually seen as male-dominated industries (mining and construction). The group was a mix between Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Three categories were – winner and finalists:

Emerging Entrepreneur – Awarded to an entrepreneur who has operated their business for one to five years:

• WINNER: Prof Monique Zaahl – GENEdiagnostics, a genetic testing, research, and training business.
• Lebohang Madubanya – Future Nurses Nursing School, a private nursing higher education institution.
• Thandiwe Shema – Jalusi Corporation, an enterprise co-developing solutions to mitigate business growth constraints for SMEs.
• Bongiwe Masoka – ZakhiAfrica, a provider of professional cleaning and hygiene services.
• Thabile Makhoba – Makhoba Professional Services, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company.

Small Business Entrepreneur – Recognising owners of businesses with an annual turnover of between R10million and R50 million:

• WINNER: Hamilton Stephenson – Technogrid (Pty) Ltd, a global provider of energy-absorbing systems for mining and heavy industry.
• Tryphina Moeketsi Maile – The Well Digger Pty Ltd, a provider of construction and sanitation services.
• Raisibe Esther Senoamadi – Bashumi Instruments and Control Services, a supplier of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Wendy Thembeka Dlomo -The Living Collective, a full-service self-catering accommodation rental company.
• Tebogo Kale – Gravitas Minerals, a fine mineral separation technology company.

Medium Business Entrepreneur – Presented to an entrepreneur leading a business with an annual turnover of over R50 million:

• WINNER: Thatiso Dube -GALXBOY, an African design and apparel brand.
• Louw Barnardt – Outsourced CFO, a financial management services firm for founders.
• Aphiwe Khambule – 21st Century Funeral Services, a funeral insurance and burial service provider.
• Damian Michael – Innovo Networks, a communications and internet service provider.
• Eva Biyela – Big Sky Travel and Tours, a full-service travel agency.

The overall South Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year® 2025 was announced as Aphiwe Khambule, CEO of 21st Century Funeral Services, a funeral insurance and burial service provider. The Job Creator of the Year Award went to Thatiso Dube, founder of GALXBOY, in honour of having made the most significant contribution to employment, and Tebogo Kale of Gravitas Minerals was named Innovator of the Year Award for having introduced a ground-breaking product or service.

These awards are not only a chance to celebrate entrepreneurs’ tenacity, ingenuity and growth amongst other things. They are a reminder of what our nation needs more of – individuals who can see an opportunity to do or create something, sell it and sustain it. This is informally or better yet where possible, formally – Business Parters Limited is doing its part to support Mzansi’s entrepreneurs – as citizens, let’s also do ours by supporting with making those all-important purchases of products and services.

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About the Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards

The Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards recognise and honour the value and contributions of established South African entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. Now in its 37th year, the annual awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship with the aim of inspiring others to venture into and succeed in the world of business ownership. The awards recognise and empower South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge, networks and exposure. It is widely considered to be the pre-eminent awards competition of its kind in the country and has served as a business growth springboard for past finalists and winners.