Soweto – After an intense selection process, 16 standout entrepreneurs have been chosen, ready to step up to the microphone and compete for their chance to take home the 1st prize worth an incredible R1 million – made up of R650 000 in cash to grow their business and a R350 000 bursary for a Raizcorp incubation programme. The 1st runner-up receives R100 000 in cash and the 2nd runner-up goes home with R50 000.
A record-breaking 2 500+ business owners from all corners of South Africa entered the Nedbank Pitch & Polish 2025 competition. This year’s entries embody the diverse, solution-driven spirit of South African entrepreneurs – from AI-driven accessibility tools that assist the visually impaired to a no-demolition-necessary home renovation solution and bioactive toilet paper that promotes a healthier water system.
One of the businesses that have impressed the judging panel is Pheko PM Group, a Johannesburg-based biotech and foodtech startup established in 2022, led by male entrepreneur Oscar Monama. Pheko PM Group, specializes in transforming ordinary food into superfoods using indigenous plants like Moringa, Artemisia Afra, Soursop and Bidens Pilosa. Their product range includes Moringa-based items such as cooking oil, powder, and animal feed, all of which are SABS approved. The company focuses on sustainable practices and has been recognized for its commitment to green initiatives, winning the 2024 Green SME Overall Winner award.
“Being selected for the Top 16 of Nedbank Pitch & Polish was a great honour, for me and my co-founder, that Pheko PM Group made it into top 16, considering the quality of entrants that participated in the show,” says Monama. The validation that we are amongst the best there is, is a great confidence booster and growing our business going forward.”
Now in its impressive 15th season, the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition continues to provide entrepreneurs with a structured, practical learning experience designed to sharpen their investment pitching skills and increase their chances of securing funding. Each participant is paired with a seasoned business mentor from Africa’s leading incubator, Raizcorp, who guides them through key areas of their pitch such as strategy, finance, sales and marketing. While only 1 entrepreneur will ultimately take the prize worth R1 million, all the contestants will leave equipped with valuable insights and the skills they need to build resilient, sustainable businesses.
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