2024 SAFT Summit Announced for 24 and 25 October
Six of the country’s most exciting entrepreneurial ventures have been recognised at the 2024 South African Future Trust Awards, with each category winner receiving a grand prize valued at R500 000.
The South African Future Trust (SAFT) Awards are a launchpad for innovative ideas, offer recognition for the tough entrepreneurial grind and celebrate the power of entrepreneurship to change lives in South Africa’s challenging economy. Each winner’s prize consists of a cash injection of R250 000 and an individually tailored support package of R250 000.
The founders of proactive healthcare platform Engage Mx were the winners in the ‘Tech Entrepreneur’ category. Engage Mx is an intelligent platform that recalls patients to their doctor for screening and chronic disease management based on their unique health profile. The intelligent, data-driven solution takes patient management plans from reactive to proactive, putting the power of data intelligence at a healthcare professional’s fingertips. The future of healthcare is value-based, an approach that optimises health outcomes and reduces the cost of healthcare based on patients’ individual needs. The platform’s co-founders are Dr Benji Ozynski, Dr. Brad Segal, Kyle Le Bron, Mayur Ambelal and Ryan Swartzberg.
Sustainable branding innovators Tshepiso Branding Solutions, co-founded by Sarah Motshwane Sebetola picked up the ‘Women in Business’ category win, which was presented in partnership with Standard Bank. Founded in 2018, Tshepiso Branding Solutions is on a mission to empower organisations to embrace ESG goals through the conscientious selection of sustainable branding solutions. Their ideal is that in choosing them as eco-conscious branding partners, an organisation is not just enhancing its brand visibility, but making a statement about its dedication to responsible consumption and production.
RLabs, founded by Marlon Parker, with Christine Taphel (CEO), Rene Parker (Director) and Craig Du Mont (Director of RLabs Group), won the ‘Social Entrepreneur’ category. RLabs is a pioneering South African social enterprise focused on empowering communities through innovative technology solutions and skills training. Established in 2009 in Bridgetown, Cape Town, RLabs offers opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship and personal growth, transforming lives and fostering community development. Their programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy. The RLabs model has been expanded to 23 countries across 5 continents, impacting more than 20 million people through its work.
The ’Youth Entrepreneur’ category was won by online entry-level job search platform JOBJACK, co-founded by Heine Bellingan and Christiaan van den Berg. JOBJACK is on a mission to employ the world by making job searching more accessible and efficient. The platform streamlines the job search process, matching job seekers with opportunities seamlessly. By reducing unemployment rates and simplifying recruitment, JOBJACK provides a user-friendly experience for both employers and candidates, ensuring quicker and more effective placements.
Bento Technologies – winners in the ‘Most Innovative Idea’ category – gives employers an easy and digital solution to cost-effectively offer modern employee benefits to their employees. The benefits offering can be personalised to suit the company’s culture and brand, and the employer decides whether, and how much to contribute towards certain benefits. Employees are empowered to self-manage their benefits and perks which gives them freedom of choice over their remuneration structure and take-home pay. The company was established by co-founders Claudia Snyman, Dennis Williams, Bryn Divey and Ross Horak.
The winner in the ‘Best Implementation of 2023 SAFT Summit Playbook’ category was specialist furniture manufacturer for the restaurant and hospitality industries, Woodlam. The category was reserved for delegates who attended the 2023 SAFT Summit and applied the advice offered in the Summit Playbook to help boost their business on their entrepreneurial journey. Founded by Søren Henrik Bang Lassen, Woodlam specializes in manufacturing high-quality, moulded plywood products. With a commitment to innovative design and sustainability, the company delivers durable and diverse products that meet the specific needs of its clients. Their eco-friendly approach and attention to detail ensure that every product not only meets but exceeds industry standards.
“South African entrepreneurs have the power to change the course of our country’s future,” says SAFT Chair, Jonathan Oppenheimer. “We established the R1 billion Trust as COVID relief in March 2020, and the Awards, together with many other SAFT initiatives, are a continuation of our ongoing support to this critical sector of our economy.”
The SAFT team also announced the dates for the 2024 SAFT Summit, to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 24 and 25 October. The ‘unconference’-style event celebrates the country’s hustlers, visionaries, and self-starters and will feature multiple stages with international and local speakers. In addition, there will be an exhibition hall showcasing innovative products and services by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. The event will culminate in a live pitch to some of South Africa’s leading investors.
“We’re calling the Summit an ‘unconference’ because delegates will be able to navigate the multiple experiences based on their individual interests and seek out potential customers, suppliers and opportunities,” says Oppenheimer. “This event is dedicated to creating a hyperlocal ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can connect to forge meaningful relationships and grow in order to create much-needed jobs”.
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN FUTURE TRUST
The South African Future Trust (SAFT) is a pioneering initiative founded by the Oppenheimer family. Established to empower and support entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic, SAFT has been instrumental in providing both financial and non-financial assistance to SMEs across various sectors.
Today, we proudly carry forward the spirit of SAFT in the form of the SAFT Summit, united in our mission to foster empowerment, growth, and innovation for our country. The Oppenheimer family strives to help businesses survive – and thrive – contributing to the broader economic development of South Africa. For more, visit www.southafricanfutruetrust.org.