A System that counts passengers in real time, tracks revenue collection, and keeps trip logs has earned its inventer a first prize in The Entrepreneur 2024 competition, sponsored by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) in the Free State.
The province is the second new host for a competition that was started at the Ilembe Business Chamber in KwaZulu-Natal 14 years ago.
Ele Tshikovhi of the Acsa said they were so proud of the programme that they wanted to roll it out to other business chambers across the country. The second competition was held in George, with Bloemfontein following suit.
Tshikovhi explained that this was not a business incubator, but an accelerator for creative entrepreneurs with a plan for how they want to expand their business.
Every entrepreneur had to hand in a business plan, and these were adjudicated to determine the winners.
Cobus Oelofse of the Ilembe Chamber said more than 4 000 entrepreneurs have attended the training provided by the competition over the years.
The Free State entrepreneurs who entered the competition received training for over seven weeks.
Sello Leine received R30 000 to plow back in his Alpha Systems endeavour.
He explains Alpha Systems was inspired by his own story: His grandfather lost his taxi business due to a lack of control and management. Leine was determined to prevent others from facing the same challenges and endeavoured to create a workable solution.
He hopes that his creation will help others take charge of their fleet like never before.
The second prize went to Danie Jacobs of Dancakes.
Danie started working for his mom to fund school field trips and later took a leap of faith in buying a business.
Dancakes reflects his determination and love for creating joy through food.
The name “Dancakes” is a combination of Danie’s name and his love for pancakes – symbolising the heart and creativity that goes into every bite.
He received R25 000 with which he can improve his business.
In third place was Nthabiseng Rantsane of the Fun Bunch – a one-stop party shop that celebrates life. Rantsane and her team are fun, loud, and always “on it”, making sure every party is unforgettable.
