And the Winner is …
Saturday, 9 July 2022 was Competition Day for the select few who had stayed the course and completed the workshop. Contestants were allocated a “business idea” which they had to analyse using the Lean Canvas and then pitch to the workshop.
Undeterred by the absence of power, contestants forged ahead using either their cell phones or a one page Lean Canvas to get their message across.
A jury of one’s peers
The competition was made all the more challenging as none of the contestants were familiar with, or had previous experience with, the business ideas allocated to them. Contestants were evaluated and scored according to four criteria; presentation skills, technical proficiency in using the Lean Canvas, quality of analysis of the business idea, and surprise, thinking out of the box.
To make matters even more challenging, the contestants would be their own judge and jury!
There can be only one
It was evident from the start that the contestants had put their heart and soul into the pitch. Whether dressed in all black, or all white, tradesman’s overalls or stylish Sunday best, contestants each brought their own style to the stage.
Lindiwe
Mandisa
Paballo
Nombuso
Kagiso
Thembinkosi
Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly. And so it is with the nature of any competition, there can be only one winner. This honour went to Thami Msimango for his pitch – “Network Selling in Kasi”. Runners up in 2nd and 3rd place went to Lungisani Ndima – “Solar Geyser Installation”, and Sicelo Kumalo – “Fruit & Vegetable Shop”.
Thami
Lungisani
Sicelo
Chosen by their peers, the three contestants were worthy winners and deserving of the recognition bestowed upon them by the class.
A special prize acknowledging the commitment of Lindiwe and Kagiso was awarded to them for attending 100% of the classes!
It’s about focus, commitment and consistency
Of the 57 registrations, only seven observed the minimum attendance of four out five classes. Day 6 Competition Day did not count. Recipients of the Certificates of Completion were therefore justifiably proud of their accomplishment as the team picture above clearly shows!
