09 September 2021- South Africa’s leading cement and construction materials manufacturer, AfriSam, hosted 60 SMMEs from different communities surrounding its Jukskei and Eikenhof quarries for a 1-day training session under the tittle: ‘Correct use of cement in concrete, plaster and mortar applications’. The training program is important for SMMEs as correct use of cement in construction projects has the potential to improve profitability and deliver quality structures for the SMME construction company. The training was held at the AfriSam Business Development Centre in Roodepoort.

This training forms part of the company’s Enterprise and Supplier Development support program provided to SMMEs. The skills and services offered by the AfriSam Business Development Centre are meant to empower previously disadvantaged businesses by equipping the owners with knowledge and expertise to improve how they render products and services for various construction projects.

“With this training, we hope that small businesses can get better value out of the materials they purchase and deliver greater quality and be able to compete with big companies for bigger projects”, says Betty Masinge, Community Development Manager, AfriSam.

Originally from Limpopo, Percy Baloyi, director of Greengate Projects, a company that specializes in construction of concrete columns, slabs, installation of staircases and building of houses says he now understands the different cement types, strengths usage and mixing ratios. He plans to use the knowledge to manufacture quality bricks and slabs to pave the dusty roads in his hometown.

AfriSam’s Technical Trainer, Mr Leslie Mchunu facilitated the training which focused on the correct mix and use of cement, concrete, plaster, and mortar applications to achieve superior quality in construction projects.

Peter Molete, founder of Molete Projects and Services which specializes in building construction and civil works has been attending various AfriSam training programmes since2019. He has undergone several teachings and strongly believes in the company’s slogan “Creating Concrete Possibilities” because of how he has been empowered, enabling him and his business to gain worthy opportunities.

“When I started my business, I had limited skills, no funds, no mentor, all I had was a dream. I have gained invaluable knowledge and expertise through the AfriSam training programmes and my skill set now range from corporate branding, marketing and financial management to brick laying, paving, plastering and now the correct use of cement in concrete, plaster and mortar applications”, Peter states.

Thabisile Jabu Magoda founder of NTN Magoda General Trading believes that her new skillset will enable her company to build better, stronger lasting structures and has put her in a better position to compete and perform in a previously male dominated environment/industry.

At the end of the program SMMEs received certificates to prove that they have basic knowledge about cement, aggregates, and ready mix. Based on performance, a few will be selected to develop accredited learnings through the Concrete Cement Institute of South Africa, fully funded by AfriSam.

-- ENDS -- 

For more information Contact:
Maxine Nel
Head of Corporate Communications
AfriSam
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011 670 5893

The combined effects of the pandemic and the state of the South African economy is exacerbating the unemployment figure and growing poverty in South Africa. With a 46% and increasing youth unemployment rate, we could face more riots in future. Although entrepreneurship offers an excellent opportunity for job creation, many are not taking the plunge because they are waiting for the best time to start that business.

But what many do not know is that the best time to start a business is now.

Willem Gous, the founder of The Human Entrepreneur, says, "There is never the perfect time to start a business. There will always be an element of uncertainty. Breaking through that uncertainty and starting a business is what creates the opportunity to make money and create a job for yourself by becoming a business owner". "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it", Gous says.

It takes 6 to 12 months

"But even when you do decide to start a business and form part of an incubator or business creation programmes you are faced with 6 to 12 months and having to attend countless training and this is too much to ask of anyone, especially when you are hungry and desperate now," says Gous.South Africa cannot afford to have people wait 6 to 12 months to start a business. Firstly because of the cost of such programmes and secondly the desperation and frustration on the ground. South Africa needs people to start businesses now, create jobs for themselves and to create economic activity in their communities.

Start a business in 5 weeks

Such a programme has been developed in Africa, for Africa, helping Africa solve its own problems. The Rapid Job Creation Programme, created by The Human Entrepreneur, finds entrepreneurs, builds businesses and creates jobs in five weeks or less. Africa Tikkun Services currently use this programme to help their alumni to become profitable business owners, create a job for themselves and become financially sustainable. 

Case Study

 "For example, in November 2020 we took 50 people from Diepsloot and Orange Farm in Gauteng and gave them the task of building a business in 21 days. They had to make enough profit to sustain the business owner. "From that process, 30 business were created - from mechanics and internet cafes to school transport and many more - and three months later, 85% of them were still trading while an additional eight businesses were started to create extra revenue streams. No coaching, mentorship or support was provided in those three months - the tools for resilience and adaptability were provided during the programme's roll-out," says Gous. Six months later, 62% of the businesses created are still trading. 

South Africa has a locally developed solution that can help the nation address joblessness and hopelessness by creating business owners in weeks and assisting people to become financially self-sustainable. Visit http://www.TheHumanEntrepreneur.org for more information or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Durban, South Africa - 30 June 2021: South African businesspeople Nigel Gibb and Barry Tuck have partnered with four icons of the European surfing community, Gony Zubizaretta, Kepa Acero, Marlon Lipke, and Roby D’amico, to take emerging lifestyle brand Ûs the Movement to a larger global market. A former professional surfer himself, Gibb worked as the Sales Director for Billabong EMEA while Barry Tuck is an established marketing and tech entrepreneur who brings a wealth of core and non-core marketing, strategic and entrepreneurial experience to the company.

With a primary focus on eyewear, but also offering a small range of accessories and apparel, the core vision of Ûs is to provide consumers with stylish but responsible fashion options. 

“Ûs is not just a brand, it is a movement,” says co-founder and European surf industry stalwart, Nigel Gibb. “It is a movement born out of the realisation that our current practices are not sustainable - environmentally, economically and ethically. Our vision is to manufacture beautiful, high quality products as sustainably as possible today, with zero waste as our goal for tomorrow.”

Starting with using the most sustainable materials and environmentally-friendly packaging available, Ûs is out to prove that a planet-first philosophy belongs at the core of every business. Finishing with an uncompromising commitment to quality and a flair for style, the brand’s sunglasses, accessories, and apparel are the manifestation of the belief that sustainable and low impact business models are the best solution to many current challenges.

The eyewear range forms the backbone of the Ûs offering, with an initial range of 13 styles, each available in three to five different colour variants. With the brand’s focus on sustainability, the sunglasses are crafted using Rilsan® Clear G820 Rnew®, a high performance, bio-based, transparent polyamide.

Aside from being light, flexible, durable and fatigue resistant, Rilsan® is a bio-material produced from castor oil, giving it a significantly reduced carbon footprint. The brand’s commitment to uncompromising quality is further entrenched by the use of triple barrel steel hinges and high optical grade lenses (polarised and non-polarised).

“Our goal is to make a product that is as durable and sustainable as we can,” Gibb says. “Central to this vision is product longevity, and it is underpinned by a commitment to quality. All of our shades are made in Italy with the most resilient and sustainable materials we can find and using timeless styles that won’t date with fluctuating seasonal trends.”

The brand is positioned as a stylish and functional option for the conscious and eco-friendly outdoor enthusiast, and has attracted a broad range of artists, designers, riders and makers as Comrades. Aside from the co-founders – Zubizaretta, Acero, Lipke and D’amico - the list includes surfers Ricky Basnett, Damien Castera, Avuyile Ndamase, and Adin Masencamp; kitesurfers Paul Serin, Matt Maxwell and Titouan Galea; artists Leigh Bisset and Leigh Vermaak; actors Brando Pacitto and Cokey Falkow; and photographers Matt Georges, Kasia Hryciów and Marc Dura.

While still in its infancy, Ûs the Movement has rapidly grown its footprint in France, Spain and Portugal, and is now looking to expand into the rest of Europe, the US, Australia, South Africa and other key markets, and is opening negotiations with distributors and partners in each region.

“We have received incredibly positive feedback from retailers and consumers alike,” Gibb continues. “People are genuinely blown away by the quality of our products and our ethos, so we feel we are perfectly positioned to enjoy significant growth over the remainder of 2021.”

The Summer 2021 range is available in retailers across the Ûs territories, as well as on the brand’s e-commerce platform, and includes several new styles and an expanded range of wallets, belts, headwear and socks.

Ûs the Movement’s products are available in a growing number of stores across Europe, or via the brand’s website - usthemovement.com

For retailer or distributor queries, please contact Nigel Gibb on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A job-creation initiative that aims to get unemployed South Africans started in their own small businesses quickly has been gaining momentum. The Rapid Job Creation Programme is the brainchild of Willem Gous, who says that it's possible to launch a new business that will financially sustain the founder in a matter of weeks - without funding.

“The latest figures from Stats SA shows a 46% youth unemployment rate, and that is a ticking time bomb. Looking for a job is not an option anymore. South Africans have to take charge of their own employment and the best way to do that is by starting a business. And the good news is almost anyone can do it.” says Gous.

Making it easy 

Entrepreneurship can feel overwhelming when you talk about business models, business plans and more. Says Gous: “That is where our training programme is different, because it presents entrepreneurship within the context, abilities and resources of South African youth, sparking an interest in entrepreneurship while promoting resilience and adaptability.” 

Funding

“Many people have a dream of starting a business but don’t because they believe it can’t be done without funding,” says Gous. In November 2020 the programme enlisted 50 people from Diepsloot and Orange Farm in Gauteng and gave them the task of building a business in 21 days. They had to make enough profit to sustain the business owner. “From that process 30 business were created - from mechanics and internet cafes to school transport, food and many more. However, none of these businesses required any external funding, showing that people do not have to wait to establish a busines, they can start today and become economically empowered.” says Gous. 

Successes

"Three months later 85% of the 30 businesses created in November 2020 were still trading while an additional eight businesses were started to create extra revenue streams for the owners. This shows that the programme instils two of the most entrepreneurial traits - resilience and adaptability in people who otherwise might never see themselves as entrepreneurs,” he says. 

No ideas needed

The programme shows that you do not have to have a brilliant business idea to attend. “Business ideas are everywhere and easy to find in a matter of days or hours. The problem is not that there are not enough good business ideas, but rather in testing them and making sure they generate an income for you. Some of the participants in the initial group of November 2020 started with three or even four business ideas in the 21 days until they found the one that worked for them.” says Gous. 

Working together

“Our company works with other organisations to economically empower people by getting them to start their own sustainable businesses. Currently we work with Afrika Tikkun Services but we are actively looking for new partnerships to help develop more business owners and create jobs” he says.

Organisations can reach Gous at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit http://thehumanentrepreneur.org

With South Africa facing record unemployment - the third highest globally - it is clear that entrepreneurship is the solution to this continuing disaster state. Join us for a two hour session where we identify the most important hurdles limiting entrepreneurial growth - and define the action steps needed to address these hurdles.

The format of the event is two panel discussions with question and answer sessions followed by a summary where agreed actions are laid out and the work can begin. The first panel, chaired by SA SME Association CEO Howard Johnson will focus on economic recovery and the Sector Recovery Plans of SA Associations. The second is chaired by GEASA founder Brennan Williams will deal with Strengthening the SME ecosystem by deepening relations between Government, Big Business and Small Business in support of the Economic Recovery plan.

Panelists include CEO of SACCI Alan Mukoki, Lesley Wentworth, MD of Tutwa Consulting who is representing the EDSE, Khulekani Mathe the Head of Financial Inclusion at BASA, Mxolisi D Matshamba, the CEO of SEDA, Henro Kruger MP and Vukile Nkabinde, Director of Master Plan Development in the Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship Division of the DSBD.

Entrepreneurial intent is regarded as the best predictor of actual entrepreneurial behaviour. More needs to be done to create an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive. Practical solutions to address issues such as black-listing, pandemic recovery, technology transfer, access to markets and funding and red tape reduction are on the talking list. The aim is to promote collaboration between government and business of all sizes to create a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Join us and put forward your questions. Which hurdles should be prioritised & what practical steps can they be resolved? How can government and business collaborate better to address the hurdles preventing entrepreneurial growth? 

Get involved, find out more and register on this link: https://the-epi.wixsite.com/intent 

Media Enquiries:
Dylan James
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066 206 2109

General Enquiries:
Carl Lotter
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Roodepoort, Gauteng - On Friday, the 6th of December, South Africa’s leading construction materials group, AfriSam, celebrated the graduation of 21 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises,.This was the company’s third graduation ceremony this year which has now seen about 70 entrepreneurs going through its SMME development program. The graduation ceremony which was held at the AfriSam Business Development Center in Roodepoort is a big part of the company’s contribution to the upliftment of small and medium businesses in communities close to its operations.

The new graduates from Roodepoort underwent a six months construction course and successfully completed the training through AfriSam’s Enterprise Development Program. With these skills the entrepreneurs are now equipped to advance their businesses in the construction and related sectors.

“We are very confident that this initiative will upskill and add value to these entrepreneurs as well as deliver further growth to local SMME’s. At AfriSam, our aim is to empower and enhance the capacities of previously disadvantaged, black owned SMME’s. We support them so that they can be supplier ready and actively compete for opportunities in the other markets”, says Betty Masinge, Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager, AfriSam.

In conjunction with the City of Joburg, an open day was held to disseminate information about the program. Local registered SMMEs who applied were selected to participate in the construction skills programme.

Naziem Ismail, owner of NRRFS Projects and Distribution PTY is one of the candidates who applied, got accepted and had the opportunity to do the ESD program through AfriSam. His business has been operating since 2015, in the construction industry. Naziem says the training received from AfriSam added great value to his business.

“I would like to thank AfriSam for giving us this opportunity. I now operate and manage my business much better with the skills they taught me. I am more willing to take on bigger projects and ready to expand. You are never too young or too old to start a business and therefore I encourage all entrepreneurs to join this program”, Ismail added.

Godfrey Mathebula, trainer for NM Consultants who facilitated the program says this opportunity will help small business owners build their businesses and strengthen relationships with customers. “I urge SMMEs to challenge themselves and take calculated risks in their businesses with a good vision in mind”, he adds.

“Entrepreneurs must build mutual relations with other experts and seek mentors who can guide, help and provide professional advice through the journey. Take advantage of opportunity centres and other services provided by the City of Joburg”, Masinge concluded.

This press release was published by Archy Hlahla, Hlengani Communications on behalf of AfriSam PTY LTD

For more information, please kindly contact Maxine Nel, Head of Communications, AfriSam on +27 011 670 5893 OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Siblings Gianna, Kenley and Danica McIntosh aren’t your average kids – they just launched Kidpreneurs, a handmade Bath Bomb business at 8,6 and 5 years old. These Durban kids were born in the Middle East and arrived in South Africa in 2015, and are groomed for business by the parents.

After a successful launch at their local shopping complex in Queensburgh, Durban, the siblings are being bombarded with bulk custom orders for Christmas, as well as orders for bath bomb party favours. Their online store, www.kidpreneur.online was set-up so that their bombs could be sold to South Africans across the country. Their booming business sells handmade bath bombs that transform your bath into a luxurious spa experience by fizzing and releasing essential oils and fragrances. In addition to bath bombs, the McIntosh siblings make Shower Steamers, which you place in the corner of the shower and as hot water splashes on the steamer, essential oil fragrances are released. The McIntosh siblings hope to see their products being sold in major stores across South Africa.

8-year-old Gianna hopes to be a property developer when she is older. 6-year-old Kenley hopes to be a builder, while the youngest sibling Danica wants to own a bakery. These money-savvy kids plan to invest their business proceeds to fund their tertiary education. One thing is for sure….with a strong entrepreneurial foundation, these kids are destined for greatness! 

An all-new business network creating cross-continental partnerships for trade and industry between Africa and Scotland has officially launched – the Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN). ASBN is already supported by businesses and authorities alike both locally and abroad.

Founding member and entrepreneur Kaz Henderson comments, “Investment into Africa and South Africa is a hot topic at the moment. Over the past few days President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed various international companies at the SA Investment Conference with the goal of building relationships and exploring ways to ignite growth together. There are also several industry events like AfricaCom, African Agri Investment Indaba and Africa Oil Week that aim to increase business on the continent. With such big events in the news, it’s energising to collaborate with businesspeople on the ground working towards the same goals. The launch of the Africa Scotland Business Network shows a real commitment to fostering stronger relationships between African countries and Scotland, creating real opportunities for all levels of business.”The Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) is an independent business network based in Africa. It connects African and Scottish professionals and enterprises to increase the potential for trade and relations between the two lands, as well as to strengthen social and cultural ties. In addition, the organisation welcomes members from other countries who have a real interest in doing business with the Africa and Scotland business diasporas.The network connects its members with relevant business contacts, new business opportunities and international resources such as industry, marketing and geographical expertise. It’s founding members represent key shared economies in Africa and Scotland including agriculture, agritech, oil and gas, renewable energy, technology, international business strategy, education and more.Working with a range of strategic partners in both regions is integral to building mutually beneficial relationships with each other.

To this end ASBN works with a range of government and private sector partners such as the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), Scottish Business Network (SBN), Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE).Speaking at the launch, Andrew Monaghan, Africa regional manager at Scottish Development International said, “We want to develop a trading relationship with Africa bigger than the one we have now. Through a progressive relationship where we both enjoy each other’s people, ideas and cultures, we can ultimately build business ecosystems. SDI is doing great work connecting Scotland with the world, but there are simply too few of us… we cannot cover this vast African continent. Suffice to say our strategy centres around forming mutually beneficial relations with people and organisations that can help us, and that is why we welcome the creation of the Africa Scotland Business Network and pledge our support to achieve our common goals.”

Claire Alexander, a Scottish entrepreneur living in South Africa and a founding member of ASBN says their primary objective when conceptualising the Africa Scotland Business Network was to develop a business network collective that could assist each other on the ground in Africa but also encourage African and Scottish business to take advantage of the immense opportunities in our shared economies. The venture has been developed and launched by entrepreneurs in Africa and Scotland that understand business, have international relations and showcase opportunities for businesses in Africa and Scotland. “We all experience different challenges in business. I know too well the value of a strong business network. They have been utterly intrinsic to the success of my own businesses here in Africa”, she says.At the event, Alexander said, “In Scotland we have a phrase “we're a' Jock Tamson's bairns”, the modern sense meaning "we're all the same under the skin, or we are all one". In the same way Africa celebrates Ubuntu “the spirit of Africa”, essentially the essence of humanity and the connectedness that exists between us. I am because we are. Now, can you imagine what we can achieve together as one dynamic network with this incredible support around us?”.

Steven Craig, founding member and Africa head of Craig International Pty, remarks, “I am delighted to be part of this initiative to support collaboration between Scotland and Africa. With our business headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, our division in Cape Town supports clients in the oil and gas industry throughout Africa. This network will enable us to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead in the vibrant, emerging markets across Africa and strengthen ties and promote trade links between the two”.At the launch event held on the 6th of November in Cape Town, the Africa Scotland Business Network recreated a little piece of Scotland in Africa, welcoming over 150 business leaders, government and diplomats from ten different countries. The next step is to host the first member event in Africa and, excitingly, to take a little piece of Africa to Scotland in early 2020 to promote the incredible opportunities that lie in Africa for Scottish investors.

For more information visit https://africascotland.network/ or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Burgersfort leg of the ENGEN Pitch & Polish workshop and competition took place on Saturday, 24 August 2019. It was attended by entrepreneurs from across Limpopo province. Since its inception ten years ago, Pitch & Polish has helped over 16 000 entrepreneurs learn to pitch like a pro. This year was the first time the workshop was held in Burgersfort. The event was made possible through the generosity of the sponsors Engen, Nedbank, Raizcorp and Caxton Local Media.

The entrepreneurs in attendance displayed innovative thinking. The ENGEN Pitch & Polish workshop sees participants and five contestants taken through an interactive pitching workshop facilitated by Justin Cohen, a business strategist, international speaker and world-leading expert on pitching for business. Justin opened Saturday’s event with an inspirational talk during which he said that regardless of the economic environment, there are problems to solve and wealth to be created.

In fact, during tough economic times, there are even more opportunities because there are more problems to solve. He also touched on the need for entrepreneurs to be optimistic. On average, entrepreneurs fail 3.8 times before they succeed.

By cultivating a sense of optimism and self-motivation, entrepreneurs can more easily view failures and setbacks as opportunities to learn and then move on. “Research has shown that a key factor for success is self-motivation,” Justin shared. During the workshop, the delegates, together with four pre-selected contestants and one wild card contestant, were taken through eight key aspects of pitching for investment. (Wild cards are chosen on the day when audience members are invited to pitch their ideas or businesses to the room which then votes on who should become a contestant.) The first half of the workshop ended with the first round of practice pitches by the five contestants.

Each was asked to deliver a 30-second pitch as a basepoint to measure against their final competition pitches later in the day. The second half of the workshop was followed by the actual competition during which contestants delivered the pitches they had worked on throughout the course of the day. The process resulted in important lessons for both the workshop delegates and the five contestants.

Contestant Simphiwe Mokgawa, from Polokwane, who manufactures alcoholic beverages from fruit and vegetables, was advised that proof of concept must be established before investing in equipment to mitigate the risk. The importance of knowing the financial numbers is critical, as one cannot do business without them. Sphiwe Ntwampe, the wild-card contestant, offers a queuing service to Burgersfort residents.

He learnt that in order to grow he needs to work on his pricing model and look for mentorship. Both Kgodiso Lebea and Maimela Mohale, were named second place winners for their businesses. Through, Kgodiso, from Tzaneen, who manufactures and sells moringa based spice, the participants saw the value in bringing products to sample and how having a clear focus and vision can open doors instantly. Maimela, from Polokwane, has made great strides with his hydroponics business. His pitch demonstrated the strength in research and in having a deep understanding of one’s target market.

The winning pitch was delivered by Dr Mashela Mokgabudi, a Polokwane resident, who developed, manufactures and distributes menstrual cups. Her confident pitch integrated the learnings from the day where she demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of her business and vision for growth. Mashela now moves on to the second round of the ENGEN Pitch & Polish programme taking place in Johannesburg in September, where she will go up against eight other regional winners as they compete for the ultimate pitching crown.

The competition was judged by Benny Thobejane (Engen Petroleum’s Transformation & Stakeholder Engagement Specialist), Marcia Muthathi (Nedbank’s Investment Specialist Limpopo) and Jodi Lynn Karpes (Managing Director of GreenQueen Communications). During the competition phase, contestants were given three minutes to pitch after which the judges asked clarifying questions – another opportunity for learning – and then delivered their feedback.

“This is what ENGEN Pitch & Polish is about! Innovation!” Benny enthused. “Today was the highlight of the year as the innovative ideas were backed up with numbers, facts and research. The contestants and delegates were all participative, professional and switched on.” Congratulations to everyone for attending the Burgersfort leg of the tenth annual ENGEN Pitch & Polish programme, and for their dedication in learning to pitch like a pro.

For more information, visit www.pitchandpolish.com. In the picture: PP19 - Bft - Benny Kgodiso Mashela Marcia Maimela Jodi - 24 Aug 2019:Benny ThobejaneKgodiso LebeaDr Mashela MokgabudiMarcia MuthathiMaimela MohaleJodi Lynn Karpes 

ENGEN PITCH & POLISH IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Pitch to win R80 000 in cash for your biz!

Running your own business? Want to run your own business? ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch yourself on to the path of success.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

As all entrepreneurs know, a perfectly polished pitch is one of the keys to growing and succeeding in business.The ten-year edition of the programme is being hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank and Raizcorp.

You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be selected as a contestant.During one exhilarating, fun, exciting and free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro!

The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.After the training session, contestants pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both Justin and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

The regional winners of each leg will have the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion at the final glittering round of the competition held in Johannesburg later this year. There are many funders and investors invited to the final and, over the years, finalists (not necessarily the winners) have received millions of rands in investments and hundreds of thousands of rands in grants.

Book your place now for the Burgersfort workshop on 24 August. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form, and maybe you will find that R1 million investment you desire.