Nine provincial finalists are preparing for the final presentations of Company of the Year 2018
Two representatives from each school will come to Johannesburg for intensive workshops to hone their presentations. Then, in the first pitching session, a shortlist of five teams will be selected. These will go on to present in a final pitch and awards evening, sponsored by Citi and hosted at Citi in Sandton on Thursday July 12. They will have the opportunity to present their unique business ideas to a panel of four judges of business people and industry professionals. On the same evening the winners will be announced.
All students teams that have participated in JA South Africa Mini Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programmes were eligible to enter. Here are the final teams:
North West Sedibelo Secondary, Saulspoort
Company: Phenomenal Art of Jupiter (PAJ) Funder:Anglo American 2018
PAJ industries produce AfriVin Bracelets, which are made from hand-woven thread, personalised to include a person’s name using alphabet beads, and then painted. These bracelets are marketed to young men and women who have an eye for art and fashion.
The general manager explained that the programme has enabled him to discover skills he never knew he had. He has gained an understanding of how to apply market strategy, leadership and management skills to running a business and how these skills are especially important when you want to scale up.
Limpopo Kgakoa Secondary, Makgodu
Company: Stay-Shining Enterprise Funder: Anglo American
This company is making slippers and gloves made from synthetic cotton, in various colours, by hand. They would like to scale up production and be able to approach retail outlets, which will entail investing in a sewing machine. By mid-June the company had sold 10 pairs of slippers at R55 each and 15 pairs of gloves at R35 each.
Western Cape Lentegeur High School, Cape Town
A-Team Productions Funder: Citi
A-Team Productions make multi-purpose cellphone and accessory holders from new and used fabric. A selling point is that the various compartments that can store USBs, earphones and power banks, solving the problem of having to look for these items in different places. Since the holders can fold up and be secured using velcro, a zip or tied with a ribbon, they can easily fit into pockets and bags.
The company plans to expand their range by extending into gift packs containing the multi-purpose holder with earphones, a USB cord and a power bank, that can be packaged for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and Christmas presents. They market on Facebook, in the school newsletter and on What’s App groups, where educators assisted by sending messages to parents, and a local community app.
Northern Cape Boresetse High, Barkly West
Eleven Levels Funder: Investec
Their Multipurpose Supplies Holders are designed to hold brooms, mops and cloths and are made from recycled materials. The product is versatile in that it can be installed in a cupboard or it can be hung on the wall and thus can be targeted at various markets, from individuals to institutions.
Eastern Cape Vulamazibuko High, East London
Company: Sisonke Junior Achievers Funder: Transnet
They resell snacks, stationary and other small items in small hand-made bags. By buying in bulk and then bundling products together, their assembled product makes it affordable for students with small incomes. Their initial idea was to make clutch bags but due to financial constraints, with some members not buying their shares timeously, they came up with the alternative of selling stationery and sweets in small bags. The bags and some of the accessories are made by the team.
Free State Reahola Secondary School, Phuthaditjhaba
Company: Dynasty Funder: Investec
Their product is a coaster made from matchsticks that has an African feel and can be custom-made to suit a client’s tastes and include branding for corporate gifts. An innovative aspect of the design is that the coaster will have a heating element to keep cups warm, using a USB connection that can be plugged into a laptop. Marketing is done through social media, posters and word of mouth.
Gauteng McAuley House, Johannesburg
Company: Meraki Funder: Delta
Meraki produces a portable projector that doubles as a screen magnifier. The magnifier is made out of glass and has a wooden stand. It can be used as mini-projector for small groups and assists with reading. Due to its affordability and portability the team aim to access a diverse market. Currently they are marketing their products at school assemblies, as well as through presentations, social media and word of mouth.
Gauteng Sandtonview, Johannesburg
Company: Tswarenang Property Limited Funder: Londvolota
This company makes customised bookmarks made frpm paper, glitter and ribbons. Currently, the company uses word of mouth to target a broad range of readers. They are exploring the potential to grow by selling through bookstores and publishers.
KwaZulu-Natal Northlands Girls High, Durban
Company: O’ My Garden Funder: Citi
You can purchase a glass jar containing a succulent from O’ My Garden. The jar contains a succulent planted in soil layered above pebbles and is wrapped with cellophane and a ribbon. The unit price is R30 and they had sold approximately 358 products by mid-June. Advertising is done by word of mouth.
