By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Seen Here: Naledzani Mosomane, Head for Enterprise and Supplier Development for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Mbombela, Mpumalanga — 23 April 2026 — Standard Bank Group has unveiled the winners of its first-ever Inclusive Excellence Awards, held at Emnothweni Arena, recognising outstanding Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) led by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Seen Here: Yaseen Guman, Head, Business Banking Coverage for Mpumalanga at Businesss and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa Photo Credit: Standard Bank
The landmark event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development stakeholders to celebrate enterprises driving inclusive economic participation and innovation across South Africa.
Seen Here: Overall Winner of the Standard Bank Inclusive Excellence Awards 2026, Esisipho K (Pty) Ltd, Standard Bank and Department of Economic Representatives Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Driving Inclusive Economic Growth
The awards, spearheaded by Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) division, form part of its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) strategy aimed at supporting majority black-owned businesses and advancing inclusive entrepreneurship.
According to Naledzani Mosomane, the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to elevate businesses that combine commercial success with social impact.
Seen Here: Winners of the Standard Bank Inclusive Excellence Awards Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Recognising Excellence Across Sectors
Winners were honoured across a range of sectors aligned with national development priorities:
- Agriculture Award: Setlogong Project 2 (Pty) Ltd — a Limpopo-based poultry enterprise empowering people with disabilities
- Arts & Culture Award: Me4uTalented Studios (Pty) Ltd — a Free State-based creative production company supporting emerging artists
- Innovative Business Award: Umba Creative Service — a Gauteng agency focused on workplace inclusion
- Manufacturing Award: Seated by Jenkie — a décor manufacturing business supplying national retailers
- Community Champion Award: Renature (Pty) Ltd (Eully’s Cakery) — supporting township and rural bakers
- Youth Achievement Award: Abundance Solutions — an Eastern Cape youth-led enterprise
Seen Here: Brenden Praise_Singer and Songwriter Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Top Honour for Sustainable Agriculture
The Overall Winner, Esisipho K (Pty) Ltd, was recognised for its impactful work in agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on food security and sustainable farming practices.
Rewarding Impact and Potential
Winners will share a total of R400,000 in prize money, providing a boost to scale their operations and deepen their impact.
The judging criteria focused on:
- Business formalisation and active operations
- Alignment with South Africa’s development priorities
- Clarity of business vision and growth strategy
- Demonstrated community and economic impact
Seen Here: Tebogo Thekisho, also known as “Proverb”, Renowned Media Personality, Author, Entrepreneur and Speaker Photo Credit: Standard Bank
A Platform for Inclusive Enterprise
With operations across 21 African countries, Standard Bank Group continues to play a leading role in fostering inclusive growth by supporting entrepreneurs often excluded from mainstream economic opportunities.
Seen Here: Jesta Sidell, MEC, Department of Economic Development and Tourism Photo Credit: Standard Bank
Strengthening the Future of SMMEs
The inaugural awards at Emnotweni Arena mark an important step in recognising and empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities, reinforcing the role of SMMEs in driving sustainable development.
As the initiative grows, it is expected to further unlock potential, promote inclusion, and strengthen South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Seen Here: Trophies and Certificates for the Winners Photo Credit: Standard Bank
