On 5 December, SAP hosted the Future Founder SA Showcase, a youth entrepreneurship initiative supported by YOMA, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and FNB. The event took place on the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing in 2013, a fitting reminder of his belief that “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
In recent months, young entrepreneurs from across South Africa have taken part in the Future Founder SA Programme, gaining real-world experience, mentorship and start-up capital. The finalists presented ventures shaped by lived experience and a commitment to solving meaningful community and industry challenges. A total of R400 000 in equity-free funding was awarded: R250 000 from SAP and R150 000 from FNB.
2025 Winners
• 1ST Percy Maphologela, EquiXToken
• 2ND Shantel Tafara, RapidCool
• 3RD Thando Mzimela, Univio
“Nelson Mandela taught us that the soul of a society is revealed in how it treats its young people,” said Sunil Geness, Director of Government Relations and CSR at SAP Africa. “By investing in youth innovation, we build a stronger and more hopeful future.”
The showcase also highlighted the leadership of Tsepo Ngwenyama and Prashana Rampersad from Yoma, whose commitment and vision have shaped the programme. They have poured their hearts, energy, and vision into shaping Future Founder SA. Their belief in young people isn’t theoretical, it’s lived, practical, and courageous. Their work reminds us that when young people lead, others follow. They represent something rare and truly inspiring: youth advocating for youth.
“This is what happens when young people lead. They build, they create and they define the future,” said Nonkululeko Mokoena, Global Revenue Office Operational Excellence Lead and SAP Educate to Employ Africa Lead.
Nonkululeko added: “Young founders are not asking for charity. They are asking for a fair chance. Their courage reminds us that possibility grows wherever young people are trusted and supported.”
The programme is delivered by Yoma in partnership with Goodwall, ALX Ventures and RLabs, with strategic support from SAP and Generation Unlimited. It offers structured skills development, expert-led masterclasses and access to funding, fully online and accessible nationwide.
A special acknowledgement was given to FNB and Katleho Mahloane, Marketing Executive Head: Commercial Segment, for their partnership. Over and above the R150 000 donation towards the capital. On the 4th of December , the Future Founder SA finalists shared the stage with some of the country’s most recognised digital innovators, including Checkers Sixty60 and D6 along with the ultimate winner, Vula Medical, stands as a powerful example of purpose at scale.
FNB continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth innovation. Following the 2025 T20 Future of Jobs Summit, SAP and FNB began a series of meaningful engagements which led to this moment. Their collaboration is a reminder that when institutions unite behind young people, progress not only happens, it accelerates.
As South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, the Future Founder SA Showcase stands as a powerful testament to collaboration, innovation and the impact of investing in the country’s young entrepreneurs.
