Student entrepreneurs’ innovative approach to uplifting their local communities has won them a spot at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards semi-finals.
The winners of the 2024 pitch competition that saw six of South Africa’s top student entrepreneurs vying for first and second place of the SA finals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) have been announced.
The GSEA is an international competition that recognises and supports exceptional student entrepreneurs who own and operate businesses while pursuing higher education. Participants benefit from mentorship, media exposure, business services and networking opportunities, both locally and globally. The programme is globally competitive, attracting over 1 100 applications annually, with only the top two South African entrants advancing to the quarter-finals taking place in Pakistan in February 2025. From there, the top three contestants will advance to the global finals being held in Cape Town in May.
Competing with hundreds of other entrants, the six finalists competing for the option to represent SA at the quarter-finals in 2025 were Penwell Silinda, Siyabonga Mkhatshwa, Navhani Tshikosi, Tumisho Thobejane, Lesedi Monnanyane and Gad Ben-Schachar Schwartzman.
In first place was Penwell Silinda from the University of Mpumalanga. He’s an information technology student whose business, SMARTD APP, helps revolutionise the way rural communities access essential services.
Reflecting on his win, Silinda said: “This is a huge milestone for our company and isn’t just a win for us, but also for the communities we serve. By joining GSEA, we’ve been able to gain valuable feedback and mentorship that will help elevate our business to the next level. Today, 40% of SmartD app users stem from connections made through GSEA, proving the power of this platform to transform dreams into reality.”
Silinda was born in the rural community of Kamaqhekeza, Mpumalanga. He says his entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a desire to bring change to underserved areas, focusing on innovative solutions which fosters economic growth and convenience. With its user-friendly interface and reliable services, SmartD is bridging the digital divide and transforming rural communities into thriving hubs of activity.
Through cash prizes and mentorship, the GSEA was sponsored this year by Founders Foundation. The top three winners received prizes worth over R300 000. These included cash prizes of R25 000 for the first prize, R10 000 for the runner-up and R7 500 for third prize, as well as free legal advice, marketing strategies, airtime vouchers and much more.
The top 10 finalists from around SA have been paired with EO mentors who are experts in their fields and/or run US$1 million businesses, namely Nicola Nel, Muhammad Seedat and Thokozani Nhlapo. All the finalists will also receive prizes sponsored by LAMY Pens, Promobasket, DigiCape, The Networking Company and others.
“The programme’s focus on empowering change-makers aligns well with the innovative spirit of South African entrepreneurs, contributing to its success in the region.”
that benefit society. SmartD was driven by the dream to have groceries, fresh food and rides made accessible to people living in the most remote areas. By connecting local vendors, delivery drivers and customers, it creates a vibrant digital marketplace.
The programme’s focus on empowering change-makers aligns well with the innovative spirit of South African entrepreneurs, contributing to its success in the region. To learn more about the GSEA competition and participants, visit: http://gsea.org/.