Nedbank Pitch & Polish 2025 sees record entries, 16 finalists confirmed

Image source: Nedbank Pitch & Polish

After a rigorous selection process, 16 entrepreneurs have been chosen to compete for the grand prize of R1m, comprising R650,000 in cash and a R350,000 bursary for a Raizcorp incubation programme. The first and second runners-up will receive R100,000 and R50,000 respectively.

Competition format and mentorship

The competition helps entrepreneurs sharpen investment pitching skills through a structured learning experience. Each contestant is paired with a mentor from Raizcorp, who provides guidance on strategy, finance, sales, and marketing.

The first round of pitching began on 5 August 2025. The final round will also feature a wildcard contestant entering late but eligible to win alongside the finalists.

The 16 finalists represent diverse sectors and include:

• Vanessa Snyman (VEZ Technology, Mpumalanga)
• Tieho Tsiane (Oplene Group, Gauteng)
• Maria Plembe (Semapak, Gauteng)
• Blessing Sithole (Bakers Creationz, KwaZulu-Natal)
• Cate Olifant (Akani Paints, Limpopo)
• Tebogo Mpe (Assetshare, Gauteng)
• Colleen Toerien (MS Sweethearts, Gauteng)
• Tshepo Madigage (Gentaflo, Gauteng)
• Orion Herman (LiquidGold Africa, KwaZulu-Natal)
• Prudence Mabaso (The Kitchen Wrap Company, Gauteng)
• Oscar Monama (Pheko PM Group, Gauteng)
• Xolani Gininda (Smartsight South Africa, Mpumalanga)
• Nontsikelelo Mokoena (TamRex Holdings, Gauteng)
• Memphis Kaotsane (Moonshine Reflective Spray, North West)
• Chantelle de Bruyn (Buttercup Farmhouse, Free State)
• Tshitso Mosolodi and Karl Carter (Snake Nation, Gauteng)