Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency Announces 2026 MSME Green Innovation Challenge Winners
Middelburg, Mpumalanga – August 20, 2026 — The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), in partnership with leading sponsors Seriti Green, Sasol, and Enertrag, is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Mpumalanga MSME Green Innovation Challenge. This landmark event showcased the brightest minds and boldest innovative ideas driving South Africa’s green economy.
On 18 August 2026, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency hosted the 2026 Mpumalanga MSME Green Innovation Challenge at the Eastdene Community Hall, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This is where the top 12 finalists pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. These finalists represent the future of sustainable development, tackling challenges across renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and water & land management.
The judging panel consisted of:
*Nangamso Mhlontlo – Junior Technical Advisor, GIZ (JUST SA)
*Chabisi Moutlong – Chief Operations Officer, Seriti Green
*Stephen Koopman – Director &Head of Government and Industry Relations, ENERTRAG
*Rivash Panday – Shared Value and Social Impact Manager, Sasol
The 2026 Mpumalanga MSME Green Innovation Challenge attracted 92 applicants from all three districts of the Mpumalanga Province, with 30 applicants being shortlisted, and after a rigorous reviewing process, the final 12 applicants were chosen.
Below are the top 11 who pitched their enterprises on the final day:
- Sweetness Shabangu – Winterfields Resources
- Ngwato Mmotong – Lemo Bricks
- Busisiwe Nkambule – Impepho Essentials
- Fortunate Nkosi – Jumpstart Your Career
- Kagiso Masilela – Silwa Nentuthuko Contractors (Pty) Ltd
- Oletta Ntshane – TDS Energies
- Thobile Dhlangamandhla – Emalahleni Waste2Brick Solution
- Tiisetso Ngwenya – Thlompho Investments
- Millicent Majola – Ithuba Recycling
- Karabo Ngobeni – Mo Flo Farm (Pty) Ltd
- Omphemetse Ranoto – Pheme Everlast
The Winners
Third place was Thlompho Investments, a sustainable agriculture business in the Nkangala District, who walked away with R50 000 sponsored by Enertrag; second place was JumpStart Your Career, a renewable energy business in the Ehlanzeni District, who walked away with R75 000 sponsored by Sasol, and first place was Ma Flo Farm (Pty) Ltd, a sustainable agriculture business in the Nkangala District, who walked away with R150 000 sponsored by Seriti Green.
Driving Impact Through Collaboration
The Green Innovation Challenge is more than a competition, it is a platform for collaboration, investment and empowerment. The strong support of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government was demonstrated by the participation of MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Jesta Sidell, and Head of Department, Ms Immy Serakalala. Delivering the keynote address, MEC Sidell reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting green entrepreneurship and investing in initiatives that create new economic opportunities in the province. By bringing together entrepreneurs, MSMEs, corporates and government, the Green Innovation Challenge creates opportunities for partnerships, market access and investment, while accelerating practical solutions that contribute to a resilient, inclusive and sustainable green economy in Mpumalanga.
Quotes
Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (ACEO): “The Green Innovation Challenge is more than a competition; it is a catalyst for change. By providing a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators, we are driving solutions that strengthen communities, create green jobs, and accelerate Mpumalanga’s transition to a sustainable economy. These finalists represent the creativity and resilience that will define South Africa’s future.”
