Exciting news for social entrepreneurs! The closing date of the IWISA No 1 Community Champions Competition has been extended to 31 August 2025. With prizes totalling over R240 000 up for grabs, there’s never been a better time to celebrate an exceptional social entrepreneur you might know or nominate yourself…
Now in its third year, IWISA No 1’s Community Champions Competition has been designed to celebrate unsung heroes in communities across South Africa working to solve societal problems, find ways to unlock new impact or overcome systemic challenges. Attracting over 500 entries in 2024, this year’s competition has created similar excitement across social enterprise ecosystems – hence the decision to extend the deadline date.
“We want to ensure that the competition is as inclusive as possible and that entrepreneurs have sufficient time to apply,” explains Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier Senior Brand Manager: Maize, Breakfast and Pasta. “This is why we’ve extended the deadline date. We’re calling on purpose-driven SMEs in Gauteng, Free State, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape that have been in operation for over two years to visit our website and submit their applications.”
Apart from the prize money up for grabs, finalists and winners will also benefit from additional training and business mentorship – tailored to speak to the specific needs of their SMEs. “This will focus on the most pressing ‘gaps’ and opportunities they are facing, equipping them with new tools and skills to build and grow their businesses.”
She adds that the competition is an extension of the Iwisa No1’s commitment to support, build and grow the communities in which it operates: “As a corporate, it is critical that we not only support businesses that ‘do good’, but empower them to scale and amplify their positive social and environmental impact. This competition speaks to Iwisa No 1’s ability to bring people together around tables to nourish bodies, fill tummies and do good together.”
With less than a month remaining to submit applications, local socially-oriented SMEs have everything to play – and ultimately – pitch for. “We’re excited to meet South Africa’s next generation of change-makers and are looking forward to igniting fresh thinking and unlocking new tools that can add real value to their businesses. We encourage you to enter!” Nhlapo concludes.
More details about the competition including the online entry form can be found on Iwisa’s website
IWISA No.1 has been an iconic maize brand and family favourite since 1956. It is a brand that has captured the hearts and minds of our nation, building trust and creating wonderful family memories with every delicious meal – whether for breakfast, lunch or supper – through consistent quality, nourishment and fill.
The full IWISA No.1 range comprises IWISA No.1 Super Maize Meal, IWISA No.1 Traditional Samp, IWISA No.1 Easy Cook Samp, IWISA No.1 Maize Rice, IWISA No.1 Creamy Maize Flour and IWISA No.1 Instant Maize Porridge, Iwisa No1 Mageu, Iwisa Power Up Multigrain porridge and Iwisa Power Up Multigrain beverage. Whichever IWISA No.1 maize product you choose, you will find it to be an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes as well as vegetable dishes, casseroles and stews.
Our Iwisa No1 instant maize porridge and Iwisa Power Up Multigrain porridge are delicious breakfast solutions that are quick and easy to make and can be consumed on the go or as a quick snack. Year after year, IWISA No.1 is still the choice for taste and quality. IWISA No.1 provides homely meals (warm, nourishing and filling) that draw people and communities together, giving them a sense of belonging and ensuring that everyone is well fed. With IWISA No.1, every1’s welcome.
For more information on IWISA No.1, contact Sibongile Mooko, Sibongile.Mooko@PremierFMCG.com
For media enquiries, contact Lorrine Botha: lorrine@smilentrepreneurs.com