Nomcebo Nzimakwe Interview: Kasi SME Summit Fifth Prize Winner

Nomcebo Nzimakwe Interview: Kasi SME Summit Fifth Prize Winner. South African entrepreneur and founder of Sky Drop, Nomcebo Nzimakwe has been revealed as the fifth prize winner of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit. The Kasi SME Summit seeks to explore how township entrepreneurs can move from short-term survival to long-term sustainability by building financial resilience, embracing environmental responsibility, and deepening their social impact. We recently had an insightful interview with Nomcebo to discuss how the Summit has supported her growth, business development, and community impact. Read all about it below!

What inspired the creation of Sky Drop, and what need does it address?

Sky Drop came from seeing how many people around me still struggle to get clean drinking water especially in rural areas. I wanted to find a way to make water more accessible without relying on rivers or boreholes. That is where the idea of producing water from air came in. It felt like a calling using technology to solve something that affects so many of us daily.

What challenges did you face as a young entrepreneur?

Funding was the biggest one, having an idea and not enough resources to bring it to life. I also had to prove that atmospheric water generation actually works and is not just a “fancy concept.” On top of that, being young meant some people didn’t take me seriously at first. But I have learned to stay focused, stay professional and let results speak louder than words.

How has the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit and National Pitch Challenge influenced your business direction?

The Summit really opened my eyes. It reminded me that entrepreneurship is not just about running a business, it’s about impact. Meeting other young business owners who are also solving real problems gave me new energy and confidence. I left there knowing that Sky Drop can grow beyond KwaZulu-Natal we can make a national impact.

Which guidance from the Summit helped the most in refining your business strategy?

The biggest lesson was around telling our story better. I learned that people connect more when you explain why you do what you do, not just what you do. That’s changed how I pitch and how I present Sky Drop to investors, partners, and even customers.

How has being a finalist improved your brand recognition?

Being a finalist gave Sky Drop a lot of exposure people started noticing our work and wanting to know more about the technology. It also gave me a sense of pride to represent KwaZulu-Natal on that kind of platform. It showed that township-born ideas can stand next to big city innovations.

Can you share a memorable moment from the Summit that motivated you?

One moment that truly inspired me was hearing the story of Tshepo Jeans, a brand that started small but grew into something powerful and proudly South African. What motivated me most was how Tsepo turned his passion into purpose. He didn’t wait for perfect conditions or big funding he started with what he had and built from there. That is exactly the kind of determination I carry into my own business journey with Sky Drop.

How will you apply the lessons from the Summit to grow Sky Drop?

I’m applying them already. I’m focusing more on partnerships, proper business structure and brand storytelling. I’m also improving our marketing so more people can understand how our technology
works and how it can help their communities. And of course, networking because growth comes faster when you collaborate.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

We are creating access to clean water, which is life-changing on its own. But we are also creating jobs for young people and women in the area. We do most of our operations in Gamalakhe, so every bottle we produce and deliver supports local families. We also educate people about saving water and living sustainably, it’s not just business, it’s impact.

What did the Summit teach you about effective pitching and storytelling?

It taught me to speak from the heart. People remember your passion more than your slides. When I talk about Sky Drop now, I focus on the people we serve and the lives we are improving. Once they understand that, everything else like numbers and strategy falls into place.

What advice would you give other KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs aiming for national exposure?

Start where you are and don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Be bold enough to tell your story, even when it’s not perfect. Keep showing up, keep learning and never lose your purpose. And most importantly support other entrepreneurs too. We rise faster when we lift each other.