1st prize winner: Mr Kgalalelo Daniels from Brebner High School, 2nd prize winner: Mr Teboho Leqela from Ipopeng Secondary School, 3rd prize winner: Ms. Beaulah Shaw from Oranje Meisieskool and 4th prize winner: Ms. Oreratile Dinoke from Selokisa Finishing School.

On 16 October 2023, the Central University of Technology, in collaboration with Standard Bank South Africa and Central Media Group, held its third annual Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition. The event is not merely a competition, but catalyses change, promoting self-learning, offering real-world experience, and igniting inspiration in the minds of young entrepreneurs, paving the way for a brighter future. The collaborative efforts of these three organisations ensure that the competition continues to grow, empowering the next generation of South African entrepreneurs. 

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, stated that South Africa faces the highest skills shortage and unemployment. He further mentioned that about 3.5 million young people between the ages of 15-24 years are neither employed nor in education or training institutions in the country.  “Chasing employment opportunities has become a daunting task. This highlights the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in a rapidly changing world. As South Africa strives to promote innovation and economic growth, initiatives like EMYC prove that the country's youth is more than ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.”

This partnership envisions nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among the youth by providing entrepreneurship training and mentorship, preparing future business leaders. South Africa's prosperity relies on its youth's visionary ideas and determination.

The competition witnessed participants from various districts with a unique vision for their business ventures. Among these talented individuals, the top five winners stood out, receiving cash prizes and full bursaries to study at the Central University of Technology (CUT). The remarkable young entrepreneur is Kgalalelo Daniels from Brebner High School. Kgalalelo's innovative business, "On the Go Detailing/Carwash," directly offers mobile car cleaning services to customers' homes. What sets his venture apart is its educational component. On the Go Detailing/Carwash posts videos on social media to teach people how to clean specific car parts and the right equipment. Kgalalelo Daniels received a well-deserved title and a cash prize of R20,000.

Teboho Leqela from Ipopeng Secondary School: His business, "TLQ Media," provides high-quality, creative photography services specialising in landscape and nature photography. His passion for capturing the world's beauty through his lens earned him a cash prize of R15,500 and a full bursary to study at CUT.

Beaulah Shaw from Oranje Meisieskool: Beaulah's business, "Vitalite Oil Candle Stove," designs oil candles that maximise heat for cooking, heating, and lighting, providing a safer and more cost-effective alternative to open fire and gas cooking. Beaulah received a cash prize of R12,000.

Oreratile Dinoke from Selokisa Finishing School: Her business, Schooling on Air, is an educational podcast that helps learners understand the novels they read in school through micro-learning to improve their comprehension. She received a cash prize of R 8000.

Lanelle Newton from Oranje Meisieskool: Her business, Kraai River Products (KRP), sells farm produce at lower prices to low-income communities. The produce that is not good enough for supermarkets but still good enough for human consumption is supplied by other farmers and resold at a lower cost. She received a cash prize of R 5000.

While these five entrepreneurs emerged as winners, the competition featured numerous other talented individuals who did not secure top spots but displayed remarkable creativity and determination. 

Back from left to right: Ms. Sandra Smith, Head, Commercial Banking: Standard Bank, Mr Jerome Crowder, Senior Manager, Public Sector: Northern Cape Standard Bank, Mr Sebuseng Moitseemang, Relationship Banker, Enterprise Direct: Standard Bank, Mr Reoagile Modise, Manager Support, Premium & Growth:Central Free State Business Support Standard Bank and Mr. Mpiti Mokgatla, Head Province, Learning and Development: Standard Bank.

Front from left to right: Ms. Janetta Nel, Director for Secondary Schools Curriculum: Free State Department of Education, Mrs. Nolwazi Nkeane, Head Province, Sector Specialists Free State and Northern Cape: Standard Bank, Ms. Oreratile Dinoke, 4th prize winner: Selokisa Finishing School, Ms. Beaulah Shaw, 3rd prize winner: Oranje Meisieskool, Mr. Kgalalelo O Daniels, 1st prize winner: Brebner High School, Mr. Teboho Leqela, 2nd prize winner: Ipopeng Secondary School, Ms. Pulane Letsha Enterprise Banker: Standard Bank, Prof Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Engagement: Central University of Technology, Ms Andy Magadla, Chief Education Specialist, Secondary Schools: Free State Department of Education.