The Telkom Transformation and Innovation Awards, powered by Telkom FutureMakers, aims to amplify success stories. This year, the event showcased the latest tech trends and solutions emerging from South Africa's vibrant start-up 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 aim to highlight the incredible work being done by local start-ups and entrepreneurs who are 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 this year – each dedicated to honouring different facets of innovation and transformation within Telkom and its extended ecosystem.
The winners in the first two small and medium enterprise (SME)segments are:
- Segment 1:
- Advannotech – AI Innovation of the Year
- Delivery Ka Speed – Ecommerce Innovation of the Year
- Mmapaseka Academy – EdTech Innovation of the Year
- Level Finance – FinTech Innovation of the Year
- Welo Health – HealthTech Innovation of the Year
- Droppa – Most Jobs Created
- Segment 2:
- Mafoko Global – Top Performer Award
- Mzali App – Resilience Award
In the next segment, voted by Telkom staff and loyal social media followers, the winners are:
- NetCampus Group (360/954 votes) – Openserve People’s Choice Award
- Delivery Ka Speed (357/1 024 votes) – Consumer Small Business People’s Choice Award
- Mzali Development (453/955 votes) – Corporate
Overall SME winners are:
- NetCampus Group – Tech Woman of the Year
- Credipple – Tech for Good Award
- Khoitech – Tech Trailblazer of the Year
Ecosystem partners winners are:
- 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, seeks to diversify value chains, uplift township economies, democratise technology innovation and provide access to venture capital in response to government's call for economic transformation and job creation.
