Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 Crowns Two Entrepreneurs Transforming Local Challenges into Business Success
Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 Crowns Two Entrepreneurs Transforming Local Challenges into Business Success. Nedbank has announced the winners of the 2026 Business Ignite competition, recognising two South African entrepreneurs whose businesses were inspired by personal experiences and practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Following more than 740 entries and a judging process that narrowed the field to 15 finalists for each participating radio station, South African Naturals Beauty Brand was named the CapeTalk winner, while Ruka (Pty) Ltd claimed the top prize on 702.
The competition, themed “My Pain. My Purpose. My Solution.”, forms part of Nedbank’s ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship and the growth of South Africa’s small business sector.
South African Naturals Beauty Brand was founded by Tanya du Bois after her son’s autism diagnosis prompted her to search for safer and more affordable natural skincare products. Unable to find suitable options, she developed her own range of toxin-free skincare products.
The business has since grown from a small operation into a nationally recognised brand stocked by retailers including Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature and Pick n Pay. The Business Ignite prize package will support the company’s plans to expand into additional retail channels across South Africa and the African continent.
CapeTalk Station Manager Tessa van Staden said the business demonstrates how personal adversity can be transformed into a venture that benefits both society and the economy.
Meanwhile, 702 winner Ruka (Pty) Ltd, led by Bongani Mtimkulu, was recognised for developing WhatsApp-based customer engagement platforms, including SmartChat, SmartHealth and SmartBook. The technology is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses automate customer interactions in sectors such as healthcare, retail and property.
702 Station Manager Alastair Teeling-Smith said the company’s innovation addresses practical challenges faced by many South African businesses while improving operational efficiency.
Nedbank Executive for Private Wealth, Private Clients and Small Business Alan Shannon congratulated the winners and all finalists, saying they had identified real-world challenges and developed solutions capable of creating meaningful impact.
He added that the entrepreneurs reflect the innovation, resilience and purpose needed to strengthen South Africa’s SME sector and inspire future business leaders.
