Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.
Entrepreneurs in Mopani’s townships are being encouraged to enter the 2026 Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge, which is offering a winner-takes-all national grand prize of R1 million.
Now in its second national edition, the competition gives township businesses from across South Africa a chance to pitch for funding, gain exposure and access new opportunities for growth.
Applications for the provincial round opened on 6 May and close on 22 May 2026. In each province, 10 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted to pitch before a panel of judges, with the top three receiving provincial prizes. The provincial winner will take home R50 000, while the first and second runners-up will each receive R10 000. The nine provincial winners and one runner-up will then advance to the national Top 10 to compete for the R1 million prize.
According to Naledzani Mosomane, head of Enterprise and Supplier Development for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, the challenge is designed to do more than reward strong businesses with prize money. It also gives township entrepreneurs a platform to sharpen their business case, gain visibility and position themselves for long-term growth.
For Mopani entrepreneurs, the opportunity has particular local relevance. Last year’s Limpopo provincial winner, Nghuga Big 5, is from the Mopani District. After winning, business owner Hlanhla Machebe said: “A BIG thank you to Standard Bank – South Africa – what an unbelievable moment as we stand here celebrating our first-place win in the Regional Kasi SME (Limpopo)! It’s been a journey of countless pitch attempts, and finally, we made it.“
Nghuga Big 5 is a proudly South African spice manufacturing company owned by Hlanhla Machebe from Mageva village in Giyani. The brand has built a reputation around quality, cultural pride and bold flavour, while also focusing on authentic spices and sustainable impact.
The company produces premium spice blends aimed at transforming everyday meals into flavourful experiences, while also supporting local farmers and celebrating culture through food. Their success offers a strong reminder that businesses rooted in Mopani communities can compete and win on a major provincial platform.
Lesiba Matladi, Senior Manager for Enterprise and Supplier Development for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, said initiatives like the Kasi SME Pitch Challenge help entrepreneurs move beyond survival mode by opening doors to wider markets, partnerships and sustainable growth opportunities.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 51% black-owned, operate from a South African township, have valid B-BBEE documentation, be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, have a valid tax certificate, and have been in operation for at least two years with annual turnover below R50 million.
For Mopani Times readers and entrepreneurs, the message is simple: this is a real chance to move from local hustle to provincial recognition and, potentially, the national stage.