Youth entrepreneurship takes centre stage at ORT’s first perfect pitch Business Plan Competition.
- Nov 11, 2025
- 3 min read
The New Venture Creation program by ORT SA, in partnership with the Astron Energy Development Fund, was successfully launched in Nelson Mandela Bay three months ago. The program’s first cohort of 22 entrepreneurs completed intensive training designed to prepare them for the Perfect Pitch Business Plan Competition, where a total of R20,000 in seed funding was awarded to the top three business pitches.
ORT SA, an organization committed to empowering young South Africans through education, skills development, and enterprise training, piloted this program for the first time in the city. The initiative attracted young people from Zwide, Motherwell, Uitenhage, and other townships across Nelson Mandela Bay, equipping them with the skills and confidence to bring their business ideas to life.
Christopher Dickie from ORT SA shared his pride in the program’s impact, stating, “Over the past three months, we’ve successfully launched our very first New Venture Creation program in the Eastern Cape, specifically in Port Elizabeth, using a blended model of in-person sessions and online learning. Thanks to the support of partners Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and Engeli Enterprise Development, and sponsorship from the Astron Energy Development Fund, the program empowered 22 young entrepreneurs who completed hands-on tasks and developed full business plans.” The competition featured 11 participants pitching their business ideas, with first place and R10,000 awarded to Thalente Bekwa for his innovative dried fruit business.
The vibrant atmosphere in the room reflected both excitement and nervous anticipation, especially for many first-time pitchers. Yet, the confidence, storytelling, time management, and financial clarity displayed by the participants were clear signs of the program’s effectiveness and the dedication invested by Dickie and his team.
Among the judges was Owona Madlingozi, Impact Analyst at the Astron Energy Development Fund. She emphasized the significance of bringing the New Venture Creation program to the Eastern Cape for the first time, made possible through collaborations with Harambee and AEDF. “The day featured compelling pitches across sectors such as early childhood development, fashion, and beauty, each showcasing passion and a strong sense of purpose,” she said. Owona also affirmed AEDF’s commitment to supporting future entrepreneurs in the province, adding, “We are intentional about working with partners who are already embedded in the spaces we enter, so as not to reinvent what’s already working, but rather to contribute and strengthen existing systems.”
I had a brief conversation with Thalente Bekwa, founder of Velin, who won the R10,000 cash prize. “I am very happy I came first. I was nervous, but I told myself to continue what I started. As a shy person, I am out of words, but I truly appreciate ORT SA and the sponsors of this competition. My plan is to invest in labels and properly brand my products to make them market-ready,” he shared.
Lutho Gwili, Humans Capital Solutions Coordinator at Engeli Enterprise Development also reflected on the day with enthusiasm, commending the participants’ efforts and praising Nelson Mandela Bay as a city rich with untapped potential. He highlighted the passion-driven work of ORT SA and AEDF, recognizing their commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs.
The Perfect Pitch Business Plan Competition truly showcased the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth in Nelson Mandela Bay. It’s clear that with the right mentorship and platforms, these young people can, and will - become job creators, solution drivers, and community uplifters.
For more, visit: ORT South Africa
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