False Bay TVET College Celebrates Innovation at the 2024 Internal Rounds of the Allan Gray Maker
Inter-College Student Entrepreneurship Pitching Competition
Thomas Mvumvu – CFE RI Programme Manager
False Bay TVET College Hosts Allan Gray Makers 2024 Student Entrepreneurship Pitching Competition
False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship successfully hosted the internal rounds of the Allan Gray Makers 2024 Inter-College Student Entrepreneurship Pitching Competition. This highly anticipated event showcased the innovation, creativity, and business acumen of student entrepreneurs, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
Empowering Future Entrepreneurs
Organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurship, the competition forms part of the annual Allan Gray Makers student inter-college entrepreneurship program, aimed at fostering business innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills among students. The event inspired participants and the wider college community, reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in South Africa’s economic landscape.
A Prestigious Pitching Event
Held at False Bay TVET College’s Westlake Campus, the competition provided a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. The event received strong support from key industry stakeholders, including Absa, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce. These organizations played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding student entrepreneurs, helping them refine their business strategies for real-world success.
Expert Judging Panel & Constructive Feedback
A distinguished panel of three judges, each with extensive industry experience, evaluated the student pitches. The panel included:
Ms. Mona-Lisa Maposa (Absa)
Ms. Linda Roopen (Western Cape Chamber of Commerce)
Mr. Xolani Bodlo (NYDA)
These adjudicators provided valuable feedback, industry insights, and constructive criticism, ensuring a fair, competitive, and insightful experience for all participants.
Driving Innovation & Business Success
The Allan Gray Makers 2024 competition at False Bay TVET College is more than just a contest—it’s a steppingstone for young entrepreneurs to gain exposure, mentorship, and business development opportunities. By participating, students not only enhance their business and pitching skills but also stand a chance to progress to the next stage of the competition, opening doors to potential funding, networking, and entrepreneurial success.
The competition featured three categories: “I Have a Business Idea,” “I Have a Tech Business,” and “I Have a General Business.” Each category saw fierce competition and a diverse range of innovative ideas from the students.
Winners of the competition include:
- Category 1: I Have a Business Idea
- 1st Place: Mr. Lutho Nono with the Ice Made business idea.
- 2nd Place: Mr. Justice Ncube with Green Clean Services.
- 3rd Place: Mr. Corvalia Bitsindou with a Solar Pannel business idea.
- Category 2: I Have a Tech Business
- 1st Place: Ms. Buhle Ndudula with a Public Transport Management Application.
- 2nd Place: Mr. Sethu Klaas with eco-conscious luxury car catering.
- 3rd Place: Mr. Lyle Boonzaaier with Investigation Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
- Category 3: I Have a General Business
- 1st Place: Ms. Rashaad Sambaba with Everything Stationery.
- 2nd Place: Ms. Nicole Plaatjies with Kirmic Shoe Business.
- 3rd Place: Abraham Tsekoa with a Digital marketing & education services business idea.
These winners impressed the judges with their innovative concepts, market potential, and entrepreneurial zeal, reflecting the high calibre of entrepreneurship nurtured at False Bay TVET College.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Allan Gray Makers Student Entrepreneurship program, in partnership with False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, continues to play a pivotal role in equipping students with essential skills and fostering their entrepreneurial mindset. The competition not only provided practical experience but also invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
A Word of Thanks
False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship extends sincere thanks to all participants for their dedication and creativity. Special appreciation is also extended to the adjudicators for their expertise and feedback, as well as Absa for their generous sponsorship, which contributed significantly to the event’s success.
As False Bay TVET College reflects on the achievements of this year’s competition, the institution reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of its students. The future looks promising as these young entrepreneurs continue to innovate and drive change in their respective fields.
For more information about the competition or upcoming events, please contact False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship- Rapid Incubator at 021 201 1215.
Competition Judges
Ms. Mona-Lisa Maposa from Absa, Ms. Linda Roopen from the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Xolani Bodlo from NYDA
Competition participants with CfERI Management
