Contestants - Route To Market

Contestants

RTM 2025

Meet the Aspen 2025 contestants

He’s using technology to bring specialist cardiac care within reach of every South African — no matter where they live.

Essack Ally, founder of Cardiovascular Health Clinics Inc., is revolutionising access to life-saving cardiovascular screening, diagnosis and treatment. His innovative digital platform connects general practitioners, remote clinics and health centres directly to cardiologists and cardiac specialists, allowing for real-time diagnosis and immediate treatment recommendations.

By reducing the need for patient transfers across towns or provinces, the platform not only saves critical time but also lowers transport risks, emissions and healthcare costs. It’s a model that merges telemedicine with medical precision, bridging urban and rural healthcare gaps through technology.

“Our goal is to make specialist cardiac care instant and accessible,” says Essack. “By linking patients and practitioners directly to experts, we’re improving outcomes, saving lives and reducing the strain on South Africa’s healthcare system.”

He’s helping local pharmaceutical companies package with purpose, combining innovation, efficiency and sustainability.

Frans Rantsolase, founder of Abanqobi Packaging, is leading a 100% Black-owned manufacturing business that produces high-quality PET bottles used in the pharmaceutical industry. Specialising in 100ml, 200ml, and 400ml containers with 28mm med-prop caps, Abanqobi Packaging plays a vital role in ensuring safe, reliable and hygienic product storage and distribution across South Africa’s health sector.

The company recently invested in a state-of-the-art closed-loop system that forms and blows bottles simultaneously — a process that reduces waste, improves energy efficiency and supports environmentally responsible manufacturing.

“Our goal is to show that local manufacturing can meet global standards,” says Frans. “We’re proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand — creating opportunities, reducing waste and strengthening South Africa’s pharmaceutical supply chain.”

He’s bringing hospital-grade innovation to everyday healthcare, making advanced infection control available to everyone, everywhere.

Augustine Nwozor, founder of UltraPure HOCL (Pty) Ltd, is redefining wound care and infection management through patented technology that produces the world’s purest, most stable form of hypochlorous acid (HOCL) — the same molecule the human body naturally makes to fight infection. At 99.99% purity and with a two-year shelf life, UltraPure’s formula has set a new global benchmark for safety, stability and efficacy.

The company’s flagship product, Noxmaria® Wound & Burn Care, offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection — effective even against resistant bacteria — while remaining non-toxic, non-irritating and completely natural. From hospitals and pharmacies to homes and veterinary clinics, UltraPure’s solutions are bridging the gap between medical-grade science and everyday wellness.

“Our mission is simple,” says Augustine. “We’re transforming patented science into practical, affordable solutions that empower people to heal safely — whether in a clinic, a home or on a farm.”

She’s bringing world-class clinical research to Africa’s rural heartland and building the next generation of scientists to sustain it.

Nyeleti Mthombeni, founder of Afrileadtech Research, is on a mission to transform Africa’s clinical research landscape through access, education and empowerment. Her flagship achievement, the Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre in Ha-Masia, Limpopo, is one of South Africa’s first world-class research centres established in a rural community — giving underserved populations access to life-changing health innovations and clinical trials.

Through Afrileadtech’s School of Clinical Research, Nyeleti is closing the continent’s research skills gap. Since its launch in 2024, the school has trained over 100 learners, supported graduates into full-time roles at leading organisations such as IQVIA, and fostered partnerships with universities like the University of Venda.

“Clinical research shouldn’t be a privilege of urban centres,” says Nyeleti. “By building capacity in rural areas, we’re ensuring that Africa not only participates in global research, it helps shape it.”

He’s putting advanced cardiac care in the hands of every South African — literally.

Hillary Mukudu, founder of TeledoctorSA, is transforming how heart health is monitored and managed through a digital healthcare platform that integrates ECG247, a world-leading wearable ECG patch. The patch continuously tracks heart rhythms, detecting early signs of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (one of the leading causes of stroke) and transmits results directly to doctors in real time.

Traditionally, cardiac diagnostics required hospital visits, long waiting times and costly consultations. TeledoctorSA bridges that gap by combining telehealth infrastructure, remote monitoring and medical expertise into a seamless, subscription-based model that makes proactive heart care easily accessible to individuals, families and employers alike.

“Early detection saves lives,” says Hillary. “By merging technology and medicine, we’re empowering people to take control of their health — wherever they are.”

Meet the DHL 2025 contestants

He’s redefining last-mile delivery in South Africa’s townships — and proving that innovation can start where others overlook.

As the founder of KasiD Township Delivery Service, Freddy Mahhumane is transforming township logistics through a digital, community-driven delivery ecosystem. His platform connects local restaurants, retailers and drivers to customers through three interlinked apps — KasiD Food, KasiD Restaurant, and KasiD Driver — that manage orders, tracking and payments in real time.

What makes KasiD different is its “township-first” design. Rather than adapting suburban delivery models, Freddy built KasiD around the realities of township trade: narrow streets, informal retailers, cash-based transactions and vibrant local demand. The result is a scalable, tech-enabled network that empowers youth drivers, gives small businesses digital visibility and integrates township commerce with larger supply chains.

“Townships aren’t just markets — they’re economies of innovation,” Freddy says. “KasiD is about building inclusion through technology, creating jobs for young people and proving that convenience and community can go hand in hand.”

He’s turning wasted capacity into opportunity by connecting Africa’s idle trucks, bikes and warehouses with the businesses that need them most.

At just 25, Lindo Makam, founder of Transit-X, is building an on-demand logistics marketplace that transforms inefficiency into inclusion. Every day across Africa, thousands of trucks stand idle while small businesses can’t afford reliable delivery or storage. Transit-X bridges that gap by matching underutilised transport and warehouse assets with real-time demand — from township bakkies to corporate fleets.

Through its digital platform, Transit-X boosts driver earnings by up to 60%, cuts SME delivery costs by 30% and reduces empty-trip emissions by 40%. Accessible via WhatsApp and built for Africa’s informal economy, the platform offers both efficiency and empowerment.

“Transit-X isn’t just a tech startup, it’s a logistics revolution,” says Lindo. “We’re proving that Africa’s ‘waste’ can become wealth when innovation connects people, platforms, and purpose.”

He’s using AI and automation to take the hassle, and the human error, out of transport logistics.

As the founder of Hibosolve, Marko Marais is streamlining how businesses move goods across borders and industries. His platform allows clients to log transport requirements via a mobile app, which instantly requests quotes from vetted transporters. The system then selects the most cost-effective option, applies mark-ups and executes the delivery — all without human intervention.

By digitising a traditionally slow and manual process, Hibosolve helps companies save time, reduce costs and focus on their core business. What makes it even more remarkable is that Hibosolve doesn’t own a single vehicle — it’s a fully asset-light model powered by smart tech and trusted transport partners.

“We’ve built a solution that works for everyone — from clients needing a quick quote to transporters managing fleets,” Marko explains. “It’s about using technology to create transparency, speed and efficiency for the entire logistics chain.”

He’s keeping Africa’s cold chain moving with precision, compliance and 24/7 reliability.

As the founder of Gridiron Logistics, Sokrates Oosthuizen leads a company redefining refrigerated transport across Southern Africa. Headquartered in Benoni, Gridiron specialises in moving temperature-sensitive and time-critical goods such as pharmaceuticals, frozen foods and agricultural products — markets where precision can make or break the supply chain.

With a modern fleet averaging just 18 months old and built to Euro 3 and Euro 5 standards, Gridiron ensures compliance, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its 24/7 technical support, driver fatigue monitoring and strict cold-chain management systems (from +30°C to –30°C) guarantee reliability from warehouse to border.

“Cold-chain logistics is about trust,” says Sokrates. “We’ve invested in technology, sustainability and people to make sure that every shipment arrives safely, efficiently and on time — every day of the year.”

Operating across South Africa and neighbouring countries, Gridiron is setting a new benchmark for reliability and sustainability in refrigerated logistics.

Meet the UMngeni-uThukela Water 2025 contestants

He’s turning waste into wealth and water into opportunity, redefining sustainability for a circular South African economy.

Anza Muntswu, founder of GreenZA, is driving change in the recycling and water solutions sector through an integrated, community-driven model that transforms waste into valuable resources while improving access to clean water. Based in Gauteng, GreenZA bridges the gap between environmental sustainability and operational efficiency, offering locally tailored solutions in recycling, waste management and water quality testing.

By collecting, sorting and processing materials like paper, plastics and cans, GreenZA diverts tonnes of waste from landfills every year — converting it into raw materials for manufacturing and contributing to South Africa’s circular economy. The company is also expanding into water testing and treatment services that help municipalities and industries meet compliance standards and reduce environmental impact.

Beyond operations, GreenZA invests heavily in education and empowerment through school and community outreach programmes that promote recycling, water conservation and environmental stewardship.

“Our mission is to make sustainability practical, profitable and accessible,” says Anza. “We’re proving that local innovation can solve global challenges — one bottle, one drop and one community at a time.”

She’s democratising access to clean water through data, testing and innovation — turning science into a tool for social justice.

Lesley Mukwada, founder of The Chemistry Solutions Company, is revolutionising how South Africans understand, test and treat their water. Her company designs advanced water testing kits that detect E. coli, coliform bacteria, and a wide range of chemical determinants, offering both laboratory-grade precision and household practicality.

Beyond testing, the company provides water treatment solutions for industrial and domestic clients, empowering users to take ownership of their water quality. Lesley’s vision extends far beyond compliance — she’s building a platform where communities can report water challenges, access affordable solutions and contribute to data that shapes national resource management.

With partnerships including Talbot and Wearcheck, The Chemistry Solutions Company has already reached over 60 000 users through free testing initiatives and supported 100+ school projects in water science. A 2023/24 Global Cleantech Innovation Award winner, Lesley is leading a new wave of female scientists redefining Africa’s water future.

“Our goal,” says Lesley, “isn’t just clean water. It’s informed communities who have the tools, data, and confidence to secure it for themselves.”

From riverbeds to rural heartlands, Mandisa Protasia Nzimakwe is leading a movement to heal ecosystems and empower the people who depend on them.

Mandisa Protasia Nzimakwe, founder of the Green World Project, leads an environmental movement rooted in education, community action and sustainable tourism. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, her initiative focuses on cleaning river systems that feed into the ocean, installing water pumps to produce fresh water and promoting responsible waste management near flood-prone and informal settlement areas.

Through partnerships with EDTEA, UKZN and local municipalities, Green World engages volunteers, youth and women in projects that combine environmental restoration with job creation. From tree planting and recycling drives to arts and sports-based awareness programmes, Mandisa is using creativity to build climate resilience from the ground up.

Her work tackles the intersection of climate change, unemployment and poverty — turning environmental protection into a vehicle for empowerment.

“We’re proving that change starts where we live,” says Mandisa. “By protecting our rivers, we protect our food, our animals and our future generations.”

He’s turning rivers, pipes and pressure into clean power, effectively redefining what’s possible for renewable energy in Africa.

Sbu Khumalo, founder of FlexDeploy Hydro, is transforming the hydropower landscape with modular, scalable systems that make clean energy generation possible anywhere water flows, from municipal pipelines to open rivers. His company’s flagship technologies, including ROAR, InPipe Hydro, Hydro Set and Hydro 90, eliminate the need for large dams or reservoirs, instead harnessing energy from natural water flow, atmospheric pressure and even artificial pumping systems.

By integrating renewable sources like solar, wind, and biomass, FlexDeploy Hydro ensures that its power solutions are not only sustainable but also adaptable to diverse environments and energy needs. The company’s tiered power evacuation strategy further maximises efficiency, allowing seamless integration from small, off-grid units to large-scale, grid-connected systems.

“Hydropower shouldn’t be limited by geography,” says Sbu. “We’re proving that with the right technology, clean energy can flow anywhere — sustainably, efficiently and affordably.”