Free State-based Buhlebenkosi Agri Productions is one of 10 small businesses from across South Africa that will compete for a R1 million grand prize in the 2026 Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The business is one of 10 finalists that will pitch before a panel of judges during the national finale at the Kasi SME Summit in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, 27 August.
The finalists comprise nine provincial winners and one entrepreneur who secured a place through the competition’s Viewers’ Choice selection process.
They emerged from provincial competitions and represent businesses operating in sectors including agriculture and agri-processing, healthcare, food production, manufacturing, beauty and personal care, media and communications, circular economy solutions and sustainable construction materials.
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Businesses from all nine provinces
Joining Buhlebenkosi Agri Productions in the final are Ezempilo Prime Care Clinic from North West, GQ Creamery from the Eastern Cape, Maduwa Paint World from Gauteng, Marabou Essentials from North West, Muzi Capital Media from the Western Cape, MycoPro from KwaZulu-Natal, PSD Scent Perfumes from Mpumalanga, Trash Converters from Limpopo and Uuka Bricks from the Northern Cape.
Naledzani Mosomane, head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, says the competition shows the entrepreneurial talent found in communities across the country.
“The Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge, which forms an integral part of our Kasi SME Summit, continues to demonstrate the immense talent that exists within our communities and the impact that targeted support can have in helping businesses unlock their full growth potential,” Mosomane says.
She says the response from SMEs and the communities supporting them also points to a growing appetite for entrepreneurship and highlights the role small businesses can play in creating sustainable local economic opportunities.
Also read: R1 million grand prize up for grabs in Standard Bank’s Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge
Supporting businesses to grow
Now in its fourth year, the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit brings together SMEs, industry leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners, with a focus on business growth, market access, networking and enterprise development.
The theme of this year’s summit is “Commercialising Kasi: Unlocking Competitive Township Businesses”.
The summit and national pitch challenge form part of Standard Bank’s broader Enterprise and Supplier Development programme.
According to the bank, the programme supports qualifying majority black-owned SMEs through funding, business development support, mentorship, skills development and opportunities to access markets.
The 10 finalists will now compete for the R1 million grand prize when they take to the stage in Gqeberha on 27 August.
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