2025 has not been an easy year for neither the local, nor the global, economy. If anything, it has been a year marked by economic uncertainty, with growth projected between 0.9% and 1.6%, inflation rising to 3.5%, and unemployment stubbornly high at 33.2%.

Add to this global tarriffs and rising inflation and it is too easy to feel pessimistic about the state of the world. However, like a lighthouse in the storm, South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are proving to be a beacon of resilience, innovation, job creation - and hope.

Five trailblazing entrepreneurs are demonstrating how ingenuity and unconventional leadership can drive success against the odds. Honoured at the 37^th annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recently, these innovators are transforming the nation’s economy one breakthrough at a time. At the event, Business Partners Limited told the stories of fifteen entrepreneurs, who were each nominated in their particular category. Each story, diverse as they were, shared a common them - they were all inspiring and in their one way set an example for other entrepreneurs to follow, showing that triumph over adversity was more than a pipedream, but was a real and attainable potential.  

At the end of the night though, there could be only one ultimate winner, and Aphiwe Khambule’s won the top honour. However, her path to becoming South Africa’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year didn’t follow a traditional route. Before becoming Chief Operating Officer of 21^st Century Funeral Services, she worked in fashion, digital media, and travel operations.

But it was witnessing her father, Mduduzi, serve families during their most vulnerable moments that shaped her purpose. “I saw the compassion, the late nights, the quiet strength it takes to bring comfort when people need it most,” she reflects.

Now leading the second generation of a family business disrupting a R10 billion industry, Khambule has introduced the MYPrestige Rewards programme, offering policyholders benefits like airtime, grocery vouchers, and free career, legal, and medical support. She has also expanded into financial services, recognising that families need more than just a casket; they need options, breathing space, and support.

Khambule shares the spotlight with four other entrepreneurs who are reshaping South Africa’s business landscape.

1. Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year went to Professor Monique Zaahl, founder of GENEdiagnostics, which addresses a critical gap in genetic testing in South Africa. Fully operational since 2018, the company has achieved a 28% compound annual growth rate and partnered with organisations including the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and National Research Foundation (NRF) to mentor the next generation of scientists.
2. Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Hamilton Stephenson of Technogrid. Taking over a three-employee shell company in 2016, he transformed it into a manufacturer of industrial safety systems for clients including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Ford. Beyond business growth, he champions young engineers and supports initiatives like Free to Fly and Naomi’s Joy.
3. Medium Business Entrepreneur and Job Creator of the Year went to Thatiso Dube of GALXBOY. From selling T-shirts from the boot of his car in 2008, Dube now operates 15 stores across eight provinces and employs over 200 young South Africans. His dual award recognises both his business success and commitment to youth employment.
4. Innovator of the Year was awarded to Tebogo Kale, CEO of Gravitas Minerals. His waterless coal separation technology, the Optima Process, is driving sustainability in a water-scarce country. Gravitas Minerals also invests in skills development and environmental education through Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) internships and school partnerships.

“From funeral services to fashion, what connects these five entrepreneurs is their refusal to accept ‘this is how it’s always been done’,” says David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. “They’re showing that unconventional backgrounds are not a disadvantage, but a superpower and that youth can be an advantage, not a liability.”

What was also noticeable about the awards was that two-thirds (10 of the 15) of the finalists were women, many excelling in traditionally male-dominated industries, such as mining, construction, and biotech.In a broad view, it indicated hope for a turning point towards a more level playing field in these industries.

What was also notable is how long running these awards have been. Now in its 37^th year, the Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship with the aim of inspiring others to venture into and succeed in the world of business ownership. The awards recognise and empower South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge, networks and exposure.

Furthermore, the  awards recognise and honour the value and contributions of established South African entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. The fact that these awards have no shortage of nominees for as long as they have show the might of entrepreneurship in the country.

Each winner receives a share of the R2 million prize package, which includes cash prizes, strategic mentorship, and business exposure - resources to amplify their impact and inspire the next generation of South African entrepreneurs.