Khabonina Mnguni

ZS Uniforms Crowned 2025 IWISA No 1 Gauteng Community Champion

September 22, 2025732 Views 3 min read

By Thembi Moyo

Johannesburg – ZS Uniforms, a social enterprise from Kempton Park, has been named the 2025 IWISA No 1 Community Champion in Gauteng, walking away with R50 000 in prize money and a comprehensive package of business development support.

Led by social entrepreneur Khabonina Mnguni, the company was recognised for its mission to provide affordable school uniforms in Thembisa, making a measurable impact in the community it serves.

Mnguni triumphed over strong contenders in the provincial finals, including Vosloorus-based baker Thokozani Nduduzo Sibeko of Flour to Dough Bakery, who took second place, and Mathutwana Portia Mokoena of Metmok (Pty) Ltd, who secured third. Together, the three winners shared in the R100 000 prize pool and secured access to mentorship, training and ongoing business support.

The announcement was made on Friday at Sakhumzi’s Zoo Lake, where 10 finalists pitched their social enterprises to a panel of judges. Guests, partners and supporters applauded as the winners were revealed following a morning of compelling presentations.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Marketing described the competition as a platform to celebrate “unsung heroes” making a difference in their communities. “We are here today on an amazing event to recognise social entrepreneurs who are creating impact in innovative and creative ways,” they said. The initiative spans Gauteng, the Free State, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, with finalists required to submit applications online, along with a video motivation and business plan. Those selected receive training and mentorship before pitching their ideas to judges.

The prize money is distributed as R50 000 for first place, R30 000 for second, and R20 000 for third. But organisers emphasised that the initiative is about more than financial rewards. “It’s just not about the cash value they are receiving today. Stakeholders have stepped in to provide training, mentorship and financial guidance that will ensure long-term business success,” the Head of Marketing added. Overwhelming support has also come from private companies, municipalities and government departments, strengthening the impact of the programme.

Now in its third year, the IWISA No 1 Community Champions competition shines a spotlight on township, peri-urban and rural social entrepreneurs tackling urgent community needs. This year’s competition focused on sectors aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including agriculture, education, digital solutions, health, and recycling.

“This year’s competition has been extraordinary in both scale and impact,” said Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier Senior Brand Manager for Maize, Breakfast and Pasta at Pioneer Foods. “Our partners amplified the impact by creating a support ecosystem that extends far beyond prize money to include mentorship, health insurance, and skills development opportunities.”

Support partners this year included Sibanye-Stillwater, Kasi Konnect, PM Skillshouse, Yarena Group and the Baithudi Mampane Foundation, alongside Nedbank as the preferred banking partner. Together, they doubled the value of resources available to finalists beyond the R400 000 prize pool.

Expressing her joy, Mnguni dedicated the victory to her team and her community. “This R50 000 investment, combined with training and mentorship, represents so much more for our SME. We’re building hope and bringing dignity to current and future generations of learners,” she said.

The finals concluded with a call to continue strengthening partnerships that empower social entrepreneurs. “When purpose meets partnership, extraordinary things happen,” Nhlapo said in closing. “These champions are proving that business can be a force for good, and this is just the beginning.”