MPUMALANGA GREEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2025: And the winner is…
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and with support from the Just Transition to a Decarbonized Economy for South Africa (Just SA), Seriti Green, Sasol, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge.
This flagship initiative celebrates local entrepreneurs whose innovative green solutions are driving the transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy in Mpumalanga.
The challenge attracted forward-thinking innovators from across the province, all eager to address environmental challenges while contributing to economic resilience. Finalists participated in a development journey that included pitching workshops and mock presentations designed to help them refine their business ideas and build confidence in articulating their visions.
At the final event, held at the Sasol Recreation Club in Secunda on 5 June 2025, ten finalists pitched their green ventures to a distinguished panel of judges:
- Janice Findlay (Seriti Green)
- Thato Motjope (Sasol)
- Sezanele Zondi (Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency)
- Duduzile Sibiya (DARDLEA)
- Marian Engelbarts (GIZ)
- Unathi Mbanya (Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa)
These finalists competed for funding to transform their early-stage innovations into impactful green enterprises.
Winners of the 2025 Mpumalanga Green Innovation Challenge
- First Prize (R100,000)—YelloWaste, founded by Pitso Manyike, offers a data-driven, on-demand recycling and waste management service that uses advanced technology and real-time analytics to optimize collection processes.
- Second Prize (R50,000)—JusticeFlames (Pty) Ltd, by Sphiwesihle Mkhabela, manufactures eco-friendly charcoal and coal briquettes from coal dust, dry grass, leaves, and other biomass waste.
- Third Prize (R30,000)—Bustani Trading Enterprise, led by Thando Khanye, provides affordable fencing, steel fabrication, and poultry housing solutions to rural and peri-urban communities.
- Special Award—Waste Category—Sekusile Scrap and Metal Waste Recycling, owned by Precious Mokoena, operates a buy-back center focused on metal and plastic recycling. The award, sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, includes essential equipment to help scale the business, especially in PET and can recycling.
These awards were made possible through the generous contributions of
- Seriti Green (First Prize sponsor)
- Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) and MGCA (Second and Third Prizes)
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (Special Waste Category Award)
- Sasol (Venue)
We also thank the Mpumalanga Provincial Government for their unwavering support, with MEC Ms. Makhosazane Masilela delivering a keynote address.
“The 2025 Green Innovation Challenge seeks to unlock new green pathways across Mpumalanga,” said MEC Masilela. “Through initiatives like this, we aim to reduce unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The financial support provided to SMMEs has grown from R180,000 in 2024 to an estimated R200,000 this year, thanks to new partnerships such as Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s involvement. This reflects our commitment to ensuring a truly just transition—one that leaves no one behind.”
Beyond the prize money, all finalists will receive ongoing mentorship and guidance to further develop their businesses. They will also receive assistance in registering their projects on the Just Energy Transition (JET) Funding Platform, launched by the JET PMU in the Presidency, opening the door to future funding and support.
Looking Ahead
MGCA congratulates all ten finalists for their dedication and innovation. We are excited to witness how these ventures evolve and contribute to a greener, more prosperous Mpumalanga. Through the Green Innovation Challenge, we continue to nurture local talent, create green jobs, and build a sustainable future for all.
Please see images from the event below:
