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The Chivas Venture, a global competition to find the best social entrepreneur, today announced its new panel of judges. The panel includes soccer legend Lucas Radebe, Idols judge and former Metro FM DJ, Unathi Msengana, and IT entrepreneur and former CEO of Google South Africa, Stafford Masie.
The finale, to be broadcasted on 9th February, will see the finalists pitch their businesses to the expert panel of judges, who will decide which finalist has the most promise to be the local winner and represent South Africa at the highly anticipated global finals in Amsterdam.
“The judges have their work cut out for them as the competition this year is made tough by our high calibre finalists. The finalists are all business-savvy entrepreneurs who have a real heart for the communities in which they are working. As tough as it’s going to be, I’m confident the judges will do us proud,” said Shelley Reeves, marketing manager at Chivas Regal South Africa.
Radebe said that being a judge on the Chivas Venture allows him to be a part of a campaign that honours entrepreneurial spirit, vision and talent. He currently runs a learning initiative which not only uplifts the community by providing essential learning skills but also inspires them to achieve more.
“I am passionate about entrepreneurship and self-development so it’s an exciting competition to be a part of,” said Radebe, adding that the five finalists are a perfect example of great undiscovered entrepreneurship talent.
“They are outstanding not only from the business perspective but also because their business models are geared to empower others,” he concluded.
Idols judge, Unathi Msengana, is honoured to be a part of a competition that supports entrepreneurs in building successful, sustainable businesses with a core focus on giving back to the community.
“I am proud of all who made the decision to enter and the five that have made it to the finals. I hope they are ready to blow us away with their individual pitches,” she added.
Stafford Masie, former Google SA General Manager and IT entrepreneur, returns as judge this year.
“I had the privilege of being a judge for the competition last year and when the opportunity arose to participate again I agreed. This competition has surfaced some of the most impressive start-ups and provides them with an opportunity for incremental funding and invaluable exposure,” he said.
Masie owns a multimillion-rand tech company called, Thumbzup, which invented the Payment Pebble smartphone payment device, which allows merchants and ordinary people to make easy online card payments.
He explains that market validation, in the way that the Chivas Venture is providing, is extremely helpful to an emerging business as it gives the founder a little more encouragement.
“I applaud Chivas for giving entrepreneurs this platform, which is a stepping stone for businesses wanting to make an impact,” he said.
Tats Nkonzo, stand-up comedian, musician and television personality, will join the finale as host.
The finale will be broadcast on Mzansi Magic, Channel 161, on the 9th February at 21:00pm.
