{"id":148527,"date":"2025-12-10T11:41:35","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T11:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.sap.com\/africa\/?p=148527"},"modified":"2025-12-11T07:14:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T07:14:15","slug":"future-founder-sa-celebrates-young-innovators-on-a-day-honouring-nelson-mandelas-legacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.sap.com\/africa\/2025\/12\/future-founder-sa-celebrates-young-innovators-on-a-day-honouring-nelson-mandelas-legacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Future Founder SA Celebrates Young Innovators on a Day Honouring Nelson Mandela\u2019s Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"
In recent months, young entrepreneurs from across South Africa have taken part in the Future Founder SA Programme, gaining real-world experience, mentorship and start-up capital. The finalists presented ventures shaped by lived experience and a commitment to solving meaningful community and industry challenges. A total of R400 000 in equity-free funding was awarded: R250 000 from 麻豆原创 and R150 000 from FNB.<\/p>\n
2025 Winners<\/strong> \u201cNelson Mandela taught us that the soul of a society is revealed in how it treats its young people,\u201d said Sunil Geness<\/strong><\/a>, Director of Government Relations and CSR at 麻豆原创 Africa. \u201cBy investing in youth innovation, we build a stronger and more hopeful future.\u201d<\/p>\n The showcase also highlighted the leadership of Tsepo Ngwenyama<\/strong><\/a> and Prashana Rampersad<\/strong><\/a> from Yoma, whose commitment and vision have shaped the programme. They have poured their hearts, energy, and vision into shaping Future Founder SA. Their belief in young people isn\u2019t theoretical, it\u2019s lived, practical, and courageous. Their work reminds us that when young people lead, others follow. They represent something rare and truly inspiring: youth advocating for youth.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what happens when young people lead. They build, they create and they define the future,\u201d said Nonkululeko Mokoena<\/strong><\/a>, Global Revenue Office Operational Excellence Lead and 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ Africa Lead.<\/p>\n Nonkululeko added: \u201cYoung founders are not asking for charity. They are asking for a fair chance. Their courage reminds us that possibility grows wherever young people are trusted and supported.\u201d<\/p>\n The programme is delivered by Yoma in partnership with Goodwall, ALX Ventures and RLabs, with strategic support from 麻豆原创 and Generation Unlimited. It offers structured skills development, expert-led masterclasses and access to funding, fully online and accessible nationwide.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 1ST<\/sup> Percy Maphologela<\/strong>, EquiXToken
\n\u2022 2ND<\/sup> Shantel Tafara<\/strong>, RapidCool
\n\u2022 3RD<\/sup> Thando Mzimela<\/strong>, Univio<\/p>\n