Boikanyo Lesedi Environmental Waste Management from Welkom has been announced as the 2025 IWISA No 1 Community Champion in the Free State. Facing exceptional competition from deserving finalists across the region, Kothasana Keitumetse Mata, the social entrepreneur behind Boikanyo will return home to her community equipped with R50 000 in prize money, comprehensive business development support and renewed motivation to continue making a real difference in Welkom – the community their remarkable social enterprise serves.
Kothasana Keitumetse Mata from Boikanyo Lesedi Environmental Waste Management; Bethuel Snanki Marumo from Cabsmith; and Matsae Tsotetsi from MS Construction and Projects were named first, second and third place winners of the Free State IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition at the Mangaung City Hall on Friday.
Guests, supporters and fellow champions applauded enthusiastically when IWISA No 1’s expert judging panel made the much-anticipated announcements – having witnessed a compelling morning session of presentations by the 10 remarkable social enterprises shortlisted from the region. Each of the three winners takes home their share of the R100 000 prize money allocated to the region, as well as access to comprehensive training, mentorship and ongoing business development support that will ensure they further build, grow and sustain their social enterprises.
Adding to the day’s celebration were two new inaugural award categories – sponsored by the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA). Boikanyo Lesedi also claimed the DESTEA Social Impact Champion Award for their work to champion and amplify waste recycling and management, while Cabsmith was recognised for their App to assist patients to book non-emergency medical transport services with the DESTEA Tech Trailblazer Award. Each SME received a R15 000 investment in technology and equipment for their businesses – to drive continued innovation and positive impact.
Now in its third year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition is one of the brand’s flagship initiatives that recognises social entrepreneurs operating within South Africa’s townships, peri-urban and rural communities. “Our 2025 competition specifically targeted established social entrepreneurs addressing critical areas including agriculture, education, digital and tech solutions, health and the circular economy of waste management and recycling, as well as other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” explains Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier Senior Brand Manager: Maize, Breakfast and Pasta.
This year’s expanded support network, including value-adding partnerships with Sibanye-Stillwater, Kasi Konnect, PM Skillshouse, Yarena Group and the Baithudi Mampane Foundation, among others, has effectively doubled the total value of support available to finalists beyond the R400 000 prize pool – meaning their journey will continue well beyond Friday’s event. Nedbank, the competition’s preferred banking partner, will also provide ongoing access to dedicated business bankers and associated support.
The Free State finals were hosted at the Mangaung City Hall in partnership with the Mangaung Municipality, with attendees enjoying filling and nourishing meals cooked with Iwisa No 1 for lunch, as well as sample delicious Power-Up smoothies and waffles at the event.
“The 2025 competition has been extraordinary in both scale and impact,” says Nhlapo. “What makes it particularly special is how our partners answered our call to amplify impact – creating a support ecosystem that extends far beyond prize money to include comprehensive skills development, health insurance through FundiHealth, and ongoing mentorship opportunities for the 40 finalists across our four regions.”
She adds that the compelling purpose driving each finalist made for exceptionally difficult decision-making by the judges. “From innovative approaches to [sector areas of finalists], each of these social enterprises are creating measurable positive impact in their immediate communities – driving sustainable solutions to critical challenges including food security, unemployment, education access, and community health. Every presentation today demonstrated the calibre of entrepreneurial talent we have in the Free State. As IWISA No 1, we have been inspired by your stories and remain committed to supporting your continued growth.”
Celebrating her victory, Kothasana Mata from Boikanyo Lesedi expressed her gratitude, dedicating the win to her team: “This R50 000 investment, combined with the training, mentorship and network access we will receive, represents so much more for our SME. We’re going to use our win to continue championing the power of waste management and recycling to uplift communities, and address the negative stigmas attached to waste collection. We’re not just building a business – we’re building hope and opportunity for our community in Welkom.”
Nhlapo closed the official procedures by acknowledging the “champions behind the champions” – the expanded family of individuals and partners who made the 2025 competition possible. “This year has proven that when purpose meets partnership, extraordinary things happen. To everyone who has made today possible – thank you for believing in the power of social entrepreneurship to transform communities. Your dedication has created something truly special.”
As for the future of IWISA No 1’s Community Champions initiative? “We remain committed to feeding and building communities to make everyday people’s every day lives better. Through this initiative, we will continue empowering communities and individuals by igniting fresh thinking and unlocking new tools that will add real value to South Africa’s social entrepreneurs. These remarkable individuals are not just solving community challenges – they’re proving that business can be a powerful force for good. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together,” she concludes.