CENTURION, 29 NOVEMBER 2024 – Telkom SA SOC Limited, a leading South African telecommunications provider, proudly hosted the second annual Telkom Transformation and Innovation Awards, presented by Telkom FutureMakers.
Despite economic challenges, South Africa remains a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity, with many new businesses projecting growth in both employee numbers and revenue this year.
The Telkom Transformation and Innovation Awards, powered by Telkom FutureMakers, aimed to amplify these success stories. The event showcased the latest tech trends and solutions emerging from South Africa’s vibrant startup ecosystem, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
“The entrepreneurial spirit in South Africa is truly remarkable,” said Sello Mmakau, Group Chief Digital Officer at Telkom.”Through the Telkom Transformation and Innovation Awards, we aimed to highlight the incredible work being done by local startups and entrepreneurs who were driving positive change and shaping the future of our nation.”
For nearly 10 years, FutureMakers has been committed to empowering ICT social entrepreneurs by transforming their innovative digital ideas into commercially viable, scalable, and investable solutions that address social issues in their communities and broader markets.
The awards, under the theme Igniting Tech Innovation for a Shared Digital Future, featured three segments, each dedicated to honouring different facets of innovation and transformation within Telkom and its extended ecosystem.
Segment 1 SME Winners
- AI Innovation of the Year – Advannotech
- Ecommerce Innovation of the Year – Delivery Ka Speed
- EdTech Innovation of the Year – Mmapaseka Academy
- FinTech Innovation of the Year – Level Finance
- HealthTech Innovation of the Tear – Welo Health
- Most Jobs Created – Droppa
Segment 2 SME Winners
- Top Performer Award – Mafoko Global
- Resilience Award – Mzali App
The next 3 categories were voted for by YOU our valued staff and loyal social media followers! The winners are:
- Openserve People’s Choice Award – NetCampus Group (with 360/954 votes cast!)
- Consumer Small Business People’s Choice Award – Delivery Ka Speed (with
- 357/1024 cast!)
- Corporate – Mzali Development (with 453/955 votes cast!)
Segment 3 Overall SME Winners
- Tech Woman of the year – NetCampus Group
- Tech for Good Award – Credipple
- Tech Trailblazer of the year – Khoitech
Segment 3 Ecosystem Partners
- 22 on Sloane
- APlus Consulting
- Geekulcha
- French Development Agency
- Uyandiswa Project Management Services
- JP Morgan
- IDF Capital
- IMIN
- Aions Creative Technology
- Absa Group Limited
- UK SA Tech Hub
- NEF
- Proudly South African
- Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
- Embassy of Ireland
Telkom, through its investment in FutureMakers, sought to diversify value chains, uplift township economies, democratize technology innovation, and provide access to venture capital in response to the government’s call for economic transformation and job creation.
Congratulations to all the winners,” added Mmakau. “Your innovative solutions have set a new benchmark in the industry, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and a vision for a better future. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to the continued impact of your work in shaping South Africa’s digital landscape.”
At Telkom, we understand that the future is digital. By investing in our people and providing them with a platform to achieve their goals, we are building a stronger, more connected South Africa. The Transformation and Innovation Awards is a testament to this commitment, showcasing the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and build a brighter future for all.
