The Entrepreneur 2025 winner to be announced on 29 October

BUSINESS NEWS - Excitement is rising in anticipation of The Entrepreneur 2025 programme prize-giving event which is taking place on Wednesday 29 October.

The training and judging of the 21 finalists have been completed and the finalists are preparing themselves for an exhibition of their products that will be part of the event.

"The public is welcome to join us in the main hall of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus (NMU) for this highlight in our participants' journey," says Paul Hoffman, project manager of The Entrepreneur.

The finalists will be exhibiting between 11:00 and 15:00 and the announcement of the winners and prize-giving will start at around 12:00.

This is the third year that the programme, sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), is presented and the second time that it is hosted at NMU. The competition is being presented in collaboration with George Business Chamber.

Nine mentors and five corporate identity (CI) specialists supported the participants throughout an intense training programme that started in early August.

The finalists are:

Marchelle van Wyk of Amazing Pies: The business supplies handmade, quality pies, pastries and catering products. Marchelle boasts that they sell the "biggest pie in town" and frozen, daily freshly baked as well as prebaked refrigerated products to retailers, take-aways, catering businesses and informal township shops. Our products are competitively priced within the market segment with an added benefit of great tasting and generous quantity offerings."

Marchelle van Wyk

Teresa van Rensburg of Training Answers: Since 2009, Training Answers has contributed to the skills development for career growth of educators, corporates, SMME’s and individuals providing NQF qualifications and various workshops in education, development and skills through in person and online training environments.
"Our training interventions and workshops go beyond skills - they spark transformation. Learners don’t just leave with certificates; they leave with renewed confidence, improved capabilities, and the drive to achieve more," says Teresa.

Teresa van Rensburg

Chantal Witthuhn of iWeathar SA: iWeathar SA (Pty) Ltd manufacture and provide industrial-grade automated weather stations and data intelligence for the light industry. "Our integrated systems capture, analyse and forecast weather conditions to optimise your operations and risks. Our motto is ‘Unwavering weather data, uncompromising reliability!’," says Chantal.

Chantal Witthuhn

Yandiswa Vuyelwa of Limi Vuyelwa Building Alterations: Limi Vuyelwa Building Alterations was established in 2013 so it brings over a decade of expertise to the construction industry and delivers high-quality services across the Garden Route. With a team of seasoned professionals, we offer a comprehensive range of services, from building houses for local government to private construction jobs and maintenance," says Yandiswa.

Yandiswa Vuyelwa

Mugeléne Hendricks of Eden Beds: Eden Beds is a retail company specialising in manufacturing high-quality bed bases and headboards. "We offer these products at affordable prices to both end users and wholesalers throughout the Garden Route, ensuring reliable pricing and excellent customer support."

Mugeléne Hendricks

Glenville Witbooi of WP Home Improvements: WP Home Improvements 86 is a maintenance company from Knysna that offers drywalling, painting, carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and all you need done at home or your business space. It was founded in 2021. We also specialise in alien invasive plant clearing, tree felling and firewood. Improving your life, by improving your environment!" says Glenville.

Glenville Witbooi

Pedro Leonardo Oliphant, founder and CEO of GetACab Garden Route: He describes himself and what he offers as follows: "Associate economic developer. Servant. Tech entrepreneur. Thinker. Disruptive tech enthusiast. Optimistic about South Africa, committed to the betterment and development of society. Taking the road less travelled, serving people and solving problems."

Pedro Oliphant

Cecile Ludick of Awnings and Blinds: The company specialises in functional decor, offering a wide range of bespoke awnings, blinds, roof ports and various other products for residential, corporate and hospitality clients. Promptly responding to inquiries and providing a free advisory consultation to assist in determining the best solution to the unique requirements of the client. "Whether the client requires weatherproofing, increased privacy or UV protection for interiors, we marry functionality with aesthetic value. Products are custom manufactured in-house at our George-based factory," says Cecile.

Cecile Ludick

Anri Swanepoel of Web2PC: Every digital asset you own should be earning, but most aren’t. "At Web2PC, we spot what others miss, fix what’s wonky, and clean up the funky. For businesses serious about results, we create data-driven systems that turn clicks into clients," says Anri, founder of Web2PC. She is a digital strategy and web development expert who specialises in intelligent, scalable systems powered by automation and conversion-focused design. With over 20 years’ experience, she’s often called in to rescue projects gone wrong, transforming costly blunders into profitable solutions. Blending creativity with sharp strategy, Anri helps ambitious brands grow online with confidence.

Anri Swanepoel

Siya Tembani of Shekinah Unlimited: Shekinah Unlimited Pty Ltd has been in the game for over a decade, providing top-tier sound, lighting, staging, LED, live streaming and power solution for all types of events - corporate, private, and everything in between.

Siya Tembani

Elize Britz of Create Plus: Create Plus helps businessowners transform their ideas into powerful brands. "From professional graphic design to corporate identity development and social media management, we blend creativity with strategy to make your business stand out. Unlike other design companies, we bring decades of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of design principles that deliver real-world results. Create Plus - your Creative Ally!" says Elize.

Elize Britz

Anlé Pretorius of Lentelus Guesthouse: Lentelus Guesthouse has been creating a home-away-from-home in George for over 15 years. "We offer modern self-catering units converted from old horse stables into beautiful, unique rustic/modern rooms. Ideal for business travellers, project workers, families, groups, or holidaymakers, our guesthouse combines comfort, charm, on a peaceful farm setting with braais - just minutes from town," says Anlé.

Anle Pretorius

Jenny van Wyk of Classic Paints: "I believe that paint should be more than decoration; it should be your property's first line of defence. As a proudly South African manufacturer, we specialize in creating durable, high-performance shields for every surface - from interior and exterior walls and paving to roofs, wood preservatives, damp solutions, sealants, rust solutions and so much more," says Jenny.
"My passion is helping you navigate the options to find the perfect solution, guaranteeing a lasting result that adds real value to your property. Let's protect and beautify your investment, together."

Jenny van Wyk

Daniëlle and Brad of Coffee Any Time: Coffee Any Time is inspired by intention and human interaction. "As a coffee brand, we create a positive environment at our kiosk where people can be stimulated and engage in meaningful conversation. Our clothing sub brand, Uplift, focuses on unique and good-quality apparel, as we understand the impact that clothing has on our confidence and, therefore, how we show up in the world. We serve purpose-driven individuals, inspiring deeper thinking and honouring humanity. Every cup radiates positivity and happiness."

Daniëlle and Brad

Nirvana Gysman of Natural African Queen: Since 2020, they manufacture all-natural haircare products, currently working on their skincare range. "Our products are safe to use on age groups 3 months and older, adult men and women. We focus on the scalp, making sure the scalp is healthy enough for new growth and maintaining healthy hair. Our products are handmade and help those suffering from dry hair, dandruff, hair breakage and hairloss and promote healthy growth. It’s suitable for all hair textures and hair types which makes it unique, we do not just grow hair, we also boost self-confidence and teach little girls, women and men that it’s okay to embrace their natural beauty," says Nirvana.

Nirvana and Henricus Gysman

Udesh Ramparsad of Chai & Spice: Chai & Spice, established in George in October 2020 by husband-and-wife team Udesh and Sangeetha Ramparsad, includes a restaurant offering traditional Durban-style Indian cuisine whilst encouraging fusion between cultures. A first in the Garden Route! "Fresh and prepared spices are used from our Spice Market in the Eastern dishes served in this local restaurant. Choose from lamb, chicken, prawn or vegetable curries served with your choice of bunny chow, rice, roti or naan. Our Spice Market offers you an oriental shopping experience that includes a huge variety of spice, snacks, lentils, beans and other products. We also have a guesthouse, that has 4 rooms, each with similar beddings, comforts and décor," says Udesh.

Udesh Ramparsad

John Smith of LOJ Enterprises: LOJ Enterprises is a procurement and general maintenance company based in George and has been in operation since 2017. "Previous to this, I have been a key accounts manager at Builders Warehouse with more than 15 years’ experience in the building supply trade," says John, director of LOJ. "Our main focus is supplying various products and services to government institutions within the Garden Route area, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape."

John Smith

Thelma N. Sikwanqa-Lande of the Lande Group: Lande Group Pty Ltd is a construction industry supplier that offers supplies, the replacement of roofing, maintenance, alien vegetation clearing and civil works. It was established in 2021.

Thelma N. Sikwanqa-Lande

Robert Wilke of Navah Modular: Navah modular units don’t just invade space - they are a beautiful add-on with spectacular skins to choose from. "Our units are not just functional, eco-friendly, sustainable and recyclable, but they enhance the look and feel wherever they land. With utmost attention to detail we deliver a space that welcomes the future and is not scared of change, but embraces it - from a super modern physio-hub with technology to boot, to a serene space of calmness where you can focus and be still away from it all. It is not just a modern pod, it is your income stream as a B&B unit, your exercise space, your studio for creating and birthing new ideas and concepts, your man cave for connecting with the boys, and for the ladies - you can pour your heart and soul into a sacred space to get together with your besties by the pool and have that glass of wine that you so thoroughly deserve. We don’t just take up space and offer a practical solution - we elevate your space. We beautify!" says Robert.

Jan-Hendrik Claasens of 369 Projects: 369 Projects is a multi-disciplinary construction company based in George, Western Cape. "Over the past five years, we’ve grown from a one-man maintenance operation into a trusted contractor for high-income homeowners, estates, and businesses across the Garden Route. We specialise in quality workmanship, transparent project management, and delivering lasting value," says Jan-Hendrik.
369 Projects - Building Excellence, One Project at a Time.

Jan-Hendrik Claasens

Jonathan de Graaff, JSHW: "We believe that great businesses are built on two foundations: highly efficient operations and empowered people. In an age of digital expansion, connecting your processes with your team's potential is the key to unlocking extraordinary growth," says Jonathan.
"We partner with you to design, build, and optimise your business operations from the ground up. By leveraging world-class strategies and a global network of specialists, we streamline your workflows, enhance productivity, and nurture the talent that drives your success."
Ready to build a more resilient and profitable future for your business? Connect with JSHW today for a consultation.
Architects of the future workplace. Leading towards productive solution partnerships.

Jonathan de Graaff