Twenty-one finalists across seven categories recognised for entrepreneurial achievement, innovation, business growth and social impact.
Johannesburg: The inaugural Anchor Entrepreneur Awards has announced its 21 finalists for 2026, recognising an exceptional group of South African entrepreneurs whose businesses are creating opportunities, driving innovation and contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
Selected across seven categories, the finalists represent businesses at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, from emerging ventures and high-growth enterprises to established organisations and family-owned businesses. Their operations span a diverse range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, food production, entertainment, education, healthcare and social development.
Established by Anchor Capital, the awards were created to celebrate the individuals behind South Africa’s businesses and recognise the role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, creating employment and addressing important societal challenges. All finalists are clients of accounting firms in the Anchor Partner Network, highlighting the value of trusted professional relationships in supporting and strengthening entrepreneurial businesses.
Peter Armitage, founder and CEO of Anchor Capital, believes entrepreneurs play a fundamental role in shaping South Africa’s future.
“Entrepreneurs are the people who see opportunities where others see obstacles. They take risks, build businesses, create jobs and contribute enormously to our economy. Yet their achievements often go unrecognised. These awards are about celebrating those individuals and giving them the recognition they deserve.”
Celebrating entrepreneurship in all its forms
Entrepreneurial success is not defined by a single measure. It can be found in the establishment of a new business, the successful scaling of an enterprise, the development of innovative products and technologies, or the creation of meaningful change within communities.
The seven Anchor Entrepreneur Awards categories reflect this diversity, recognising excellence across different stages of business development and areas of entrepreneurial contribution.
The 2026 finalists are:
Established Enterprise
Recognising entrepreneurs who have built sustainable businesses and demonstrated long-term success.
- Jana Kotze and Chris Derksen | 12CAPE
- Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo | Black Coffee Entertainment
- Nicholas Papadopoulos | Mezé Foods and Mezé Holdings
High Growth Enterprise
Celebrating entrepreneurs who have achieved exceptional business growth and successfully scaled their operations.
- Ricky Ruthenberg, Antonie Basson and De Waal Basson | Bootlegger Group of Companies
- Thato Setati and Thuso Koboyatau | TSK Group
- Joe Masekwameng | A Re Shomeng
Innovation and Disruption
Recognising entrepreneurs who are challenging conventional approaches through innovation, new technologies, products or business models.
- Pascal Hlongwane | Pascal Kitchens
- David Priceand Chris Price | Green Iron Technology Projects
- Bo Nielsen | Steynsburg Pork SA
Social Impact Leadership
Celebrating entrepreneurs whose businesses and initiatives are addressing societal challenges and making a meaningful difference in their communities.
- Erica Kempken | youth@WORK
- Bonita van der Westhuizen | Little Leaders Education
- Org van der Wath | StartWell Foundation and StartWell Foods
Emerging Entrepreneur
Recognising entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their businesses who have demonstrated strong potential, determination and entrepreneurial achievement.
- Mathew Haswell and Dr Viroshan Naicker | Refiant
- Dr Sharol Ngwenya | DSN Path Lab
- Wouter van Wyk | Cool Services
Rising Star
Celebrating young entrepreneurs who are making their mark through business achievement, innovation and leadership.
- Dr Kayla Andrew | Derma Lab
- Michael Tones | Nawty Beverage Co (Nawty Water)
- William Peter Nel Linley | Will Linley Music
Family Business
Recognising family-owned businesses that demonstrate entrepreneurial excellence, effective leadership and a commitment to building sustainable businesses.
- Andre Niemann, Lauren Capazario and Michael Niemann | Pharmamark
- Hennie Coetzee and Dawie Coetzee | Coetz Technologies (Pty) Ltd
- Aimee Mason | Spec-Cast Wear Parts
Recognising the people behind the businesses
Building a successful business is rarely a straightforward journey. It requires resilience, persistence, difficult decisions and the willingness to take calculated risks, often without any guarantee of success.
The Anchor Entrepreneur Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the people behind these businesses and acknowledge the broader contribution they make to the economy. Their influence extends beyond commercial performance to the employees, families, communities, and industries that depend on and benefit from their work.
“South Africa needs entrepreneurs. We need people who are prepared to take chances, solve problems and create opportunities. What makes this group of finalists so exciting is the diversity of their businesses and their journeys. Each has a story worth telling, and each deserves recognition for what they have achieved,” says Armitage.
The next stage
The finalists will participate in the final judging process on 16 and 17 November 2026, where an independent panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders will evaluate their achievements against the criteria for each category.
The winners will be announced at the inaugural Anchor Entrepreneur Awards ceremony on 18 November 2026.
Beyond recognising this year’s finalists and winners, the awards seek to foster a stronger culture of entrepreneurship in South Africa, celebrating those who are building businesses today and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
Building Legacies Together.
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