In its fourth year, the Metropolitan Collective Shapers Programme received 373 applications from entrepreneurs across South Africa in the logistics and agriculture sectors. Those are whittled down to 150 to take part in the programme, which focused on a series of online soft-skills training sessions, designed to build resilience and leadership.
The second phase saw the featured 20 finalists progress to a further four weeks of sector-specific training, applying those new behaviours to build frameworks for sustainable growth.
These are the top 20 finalists:
Aphiwe Ngubane is a self-taught farmer who sources and raises cattle for other local emerging farmers looking for sustainability, accessibility and affordability.
Aphelele Ndamase’s company, Balilethu Livestock, is both a source of income and a means to assist other young farmers.
Approved Mache comes from a household where entrepreneurship was a survival tool. Approved went on to adapt his skills to the management of his logistics company, the TAP Group (Pty) Ltd.
Andile Maphanga grew from 2 to 6 hectares and gained focus to scale Tobani Eco Projects.
Banele Mbhele put off starting her sheep and goat business, GeeYoo, because she was afraid of failing. She finally launched in 2023, and now she’s determined to grow, with plans to own land and expand into vegetable farming.
Bokamoso Dhlamini’s BB Agricultural Produce supports local economic growth by empowering small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable farming, and through the MCS programme, Bokamoso has gained the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.
Bongiwe Nyawo launched Nyawo Zendalo AI, which uses advanced technology and AI to tackle environmental challenges from climate change. The company offers precision farming services, including crop management, aerial data capture, and targeted fertiliser and pesticide application.
Busisiwe Sambo owns Ode to Oupa Transport, which provides brokerage services for truck and yellow machinery, linking mines and truck owners.
Cambridge Hlongwane is also in logistics - Ke Etumetsi Investments (Pty) Ltd successfully combines Cambridge’s skills with a purpose-driven mission.
Mikhaela Brown is currently brainstorming a powerful African name for her company, known for now as K2020714247 South Africa. She operates nationally and internationally within the logistics sector, dealing with all aspects of freight and cargo.
Mokgadi Mpya says the MCS programme has given her more focus and confidence, allowing her to run her business, Ditlou M Investments, producing fresh, affordable, high-quality vegetables and chickens to street vendors and tuck shops.
With over ten years in the village hospital pharmacy, Mokgadi Ramatladi is transforming rural healthcare through MPR Med Pharmacy, making medicines and care more accessible to villages.
With one failed venture behind him, Mondli Dlalisa is learning from past mistakes to build Phuma-kweLanga Agricultural into a significant tomato-growing enterprise.
Rebaona Mathe founded Reliance Pro in her first year of Logistics studies and is now developing an app to set new standards in supply chain transparency and reliability.
Siphesihle Sangweni struggled with the stress of running a young logistics business, but the MCS programme helped her manage it, and she is now improving Kate-Mkhipheni (Pty) Ltd.
Thabiso Magxala’s Feeda Nathi Primary Agricultural Collective is tackling youth unemployment in Vaalbank by employing 14 permanent and additional seasonal workers.
The MCS programme taught Thobani Zungu that building systems and partnerships drives growth. His delivery service, NGI4 Xpress, is now expanding with a renewed vision.
Makgotso Motloung uses her MCS programme lessons to make a difference at Rehoboth Boerdery.
Lucky Maseko comes from an impoverished Free State village and believes your story is your power. He owns Phukalla Ntsu Logistics.
Zwivhuya Mudau is sharing her expertise from running Vhadau Premium Piggery through online beginner classes, empowering new farmers to start their own ventures.
Together, their journeys show a powerful, shared truth: sustainable business success starts with strengthening the entrepreneur first. Their commitment to shifting mindsets, changing behaviours, and building strategically has brought them this far. And with the continued support of the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme, they're positioned to achieve even greater impact in their communities and beyond.
The Star
