Junior Achievement South Africa is excited to host the tenth annual, Company of the year 2024, themed GreenOvation.
The 2024 Company of the Year competition is themed GreenOvation and will see learners combine environmental sustainability and innovation, focusing on solutions and technologies that address environmental challenges and promote sustainability
This annual event brings together 18 teams of Grade 10–11 learners from across the country, showcasing their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills and as they tackle real-world environmental challenges. The 18 teams from across the country will showcase their innovative products and services, each having developed creative solutions to environmental challenges that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of GreenOvation. These teams are the result of the Junior Achievement Enterprise Programme, which has empowered over 1,000 learners with practical skills in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and product costing, equipping them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
Prior to the stage pitches, board room interviews and trade fair presentation, learners will be empowered in workshops set up by business leaders in entrepreneurship. Sheldon Tatchell, founder of the renowned Legends Barber, will lead a session on Self-Actualization during the workshop day. His inspirational journey from entrepreneur to industry leader will provide valuable insights into personal growth and resilience for the young participants.
Phindile Tshabangu from Tuksnovation will also take the stage to present on Scaling Ideas and Navigating the Early Stages of Business, offering practical advice on turning concepts into viable enterprises. Sanele Gumede from Enterprise and Supplier Development at Absa Group will give the learners tips on how to establish successful startups.
“Absa is delighted to partner with Junior Achievement South Africa for the Company of the year 2024. This partnership resonates deeply with Absa’s dual mission of fostering sustainability and achieving financial inclusion through entrepreneurship. As we transcend theory and get more practical, Absa looks forward to sharing our insights with young entrepreneurs in the Success Tips for Startups workshop. Ultimately, inspiring the entrepreneurial journeys of our youth will be the bedrock of future social and economic prosperity,” says Dr. Steven Zwane, Absa’s Managing Executive of Corporate Citizenship.
Hosted at the Gold Reef City Hotel in Johannesburg from 25–27 September 2024, the event will culminate in the announcement of the national winners during the awards ceremony on the evening of 27 September.
The awards ceremony will be graced by a keynote address from Ndia Magadagela, CEO of Everlectric, who will share insights on sustainable entrepreneurship and the future of green technology. Her experience in electric mobility and innovation aligns perfectly with the GreenOvation theme of this year’s competition, making her address a fitting conclusion to the event.
These finalists have shown outstanding entrepreneurial skills and innovation, addressing various environmental issues through creative and practical solutions.
Recognition and Prizes
The winning teams stand a chance to win a share of R150,000 in seed funding for the top three teams and category winner, Trophies for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams and an all-expenses-paid trip to represent South Africa in the regional finals in Mauritius from 4–6 December 2024
Junior Achievement South Africa looks forward to witnessing the groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial talent these young leaders will bring to the stage. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to celebrate the future innovators of South Africa.
Media Enquiries:
Bernadette Bule
Marketing and Communications Manager
Junior Achievement South Africa
+27 82 656 9746
Absa:
About JA South Africa
Junior Achievement (JA) South Africa is one of South Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs. JA South Africa has a presence in all nine provinces and has reached over 600,000 youth since its inception in 1979. It is JA Africa’s oldest chapter and reaches youth through work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Visit www.jasa.org.za for details.
About Absa
Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Absa also has offices in China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.
For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.absa.africa.
