Parow entrepreneur wins top prize
Rashaad Sambaba, 34, of Parow Valley, was the overall winner in the Existing Business category and won R35 000 in prize money.
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A Parow entrepreneur has pledged to improve online ordering after winning the City of Cape Town’s entrepreneurship competition.
The annual #YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge aims to assist entrepreneurs with existing businesses or business ideas.
Rashaad Sambaba, 34, from Parow, was named the overall winner in the Existing Business category and won prize money of R35 000.
He is the founder of Everything Stationery, a company established in 2023 that offers a range of school stationery, including backpacks and lunchboxes. He currently employs two people and hopes to expand his business.
The awards evening was held at the Sea Point Civic Centre on Wednesday June 11.
Mr Sambaba outperformed dozens of other entrepreneurs during several rounds of pitches before the adjudication panel.
“We will invest in upgrading our logistical capabilities and technological infrastructure. This includes enhancing our delivery network and optimizing our online ordering systems, making our products even more accessible and convenient for families and businesses across a wider geographic area,” he said.
Theophilus Nyiki of IQula Colognes came in second in this category, while Maronga Korora of MK24: Clean & Restore finished in third position.
The top three finalists in each category received a tailored Business Development Support Intervention valued at up to R20 000.
“We hope that the winners will build on their successes and share knowledge and expertise with other aspiring entrepreneurs in their local communities,” said Francine Higham, the mayoral committee member for community services and health.
The 2023 winner, Justin Gelderbloem of JDG Events, was a subcontractor at the awards ceremony and is a vendor for the City.
Mr Sambaba said: “My journey began in poverty, where the lack of basic resources was a daily reality. It was education and entrepreneurship that transformed my life. This personal experience ignited my vision for Everything Stationery.”
He was planning to launch a Rashaad Sambaba Foundation later in the year, which aims to provide tertiary education bursaries and stationery packs to underserved communities.