CELEBRATE HARD WORK & RESILIENCE: ENTER THE SA FUTURE TRUST AWARDS 2025!
Recognizing the grit, determination, and unwavering commitment of South Africa’s entrepreneurs. This is your chance to be celebrated for your perseverance and drive.
WELCOME, SOUTH AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS!
The South African Future Trust Awards are much more than just a competition; it’s a launchpad for your innovative ideas, recognition of your hard work, and a celebration of your entrepreneurial spirit.
With six distinct categories tailored to diverse business visions, these awards are your ticket to unprecedented growth, visibility, and success.
Celerbrating the relentless determination and hard work of entrepreneurs who push through challenges and overcome obstacles. Whether you’ve started small and grown against the odds, or led your business through tough times with resilience, we recognize your commitment to success. These awards honor those who hustle, adapt, and persevere.
2025 SAFT AWARDS
The 2025 SAFT Awards were announced at the conclusion of the Summit, with a total of R3 million in prize money across six categories. Entries are open until the end of May 2025, with the winners being announced at the end of July 2025. The six Award categories are:
Youth Entrepreneur
Recognizing Young Hustlers
This award celebrates young entrepreneurs under 35 who have shown grit, taken bold risks, and built businesses against the odds. It honors their determination to create something meaningful despite limited experience and resources.
Social Entrepreneur
Driving Social Change
This category rewards businesses that tackle pressing social issues, balancing profit with purpose. It highlights those entrepreneurs who are making a measurable impact on communities through sustainable and socially responsible business models.
Tech Entrepreneur
Overcoming Tech Challenges
Honoring entrepreneurs who use technology to solve real-world problems, this award celebrates the resilience needed to navigate the fast-paced tech industry. It recognizes businesses that have adapted and grown through determination and innovative tech solutions.
Woman in Business
Empowering Women Leaders
This award acknowledges the resilience and leadership of female entrepreneurs. It celebrates women who have overcome barriers, fostered inclusivity, and supported other women, making a significant impact in their industries.
- 51% or more black-owned (broad-based black; South African citizen)
- Trading within South Africa and the majority shareholder must be a Black South African citizen
- Total annual revenue less than R50m
- Main applicant needs to be a director with shareholding and dedicated full-time to the business
- The business must have a valid B-BBEE certificate with an indicator of at least 51% black-ownership (not through black-beneficiaries, common in NGOs/NPOs)
Innovative Idea
Rewarding Original Thinking
This category honors entrepreneurs who have introduced a unique idea or solution that sets their business apart. It celebrates creativity and originality in finding new ways to solve problems or improve processes, driving real impact through innovation.
Optimised Operating Model (OOM) Impact
Turning Knowledge into Success
This category rewards entrepreneurs who have applied valuable lessons from the summit and the OOM Learning Programme and workshops to improve their business. It highlights those who have shown growth and tangible improvements through continuous learning and application of new knowledge.
- Applicants must have attended the 2024 Summit and be on our attendee list
- Applicants must have registered for the OOM Learning Programme
- Applicants must have completed the OOM Learning Programme
- Applicants must have submitted all requested updates from the South African Future Trust
Meet Our Past Winners
Each category winner will receive a grand prize valued at R500,000, consisting of a cash injection of R250,000 to foster immediate business growth, and a support package to the same value. The package will include mentorship from seasoned industry leaders, cutting-edge hardware and other essential resources that will enable the winner to scale their operations and accelerate their business trajectory.
Winning means more than just a prize. It’s about gaining publicity for your business, being acknowledged as a leader in your field, and joining an elite circle of game-changers and innovators.
Use the competition launchpad for your next big leap:
- Have a registered business.
- Have a valid tax number.
- Submit a complete entry.
*Some categories have additional criteria.
SA Future Trust Awards FAQ’s
1. What are the South African Future Trust Awards?
The South Africa Future Trust Awards are a prestigious recognition platform celebrating entrepreneurs in South Africa who are driving sustainable growth and positive change within various sectors.
2. How many award categories are there?
There are six award categories: Youth Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Tech Entrepreneur, Most Innovative Idea, Women in Business (Sponsored by Standard Bank), and Best Implementation of the Playbook.
3. What kind of prizes can winners expect?
Winners in each category will receive prizes valued at R500,000, including R250,000 in cash and R250,000 worth of mentorship, hardware, and other business support.
4. Who is eligible to enter the awards?
Eligible applicants must have a registered business, and possess a valid tax number.
5. What is the focus of the South African Future Trust Awards?
The focus is on recognizing and empowering entrepreneurs who contribute to sustainable growth and positive societal change in South Africa.
6. How can these awards benefit my business?
Beyond the monetary and material prizes, winners gain national recognition, publicity, and opportunities for mentorship and networking, boosting your business’ profile and growth potential.
7. Are there specific requirements for the 'Best Implementation of the Playbook' category?
Yes, to be eligible for this category, you must have attended the South African Future Trust Summit and implemented measurable strategies from the playbook discussed at the summit.
8. Can startups or small businesses apply for these awards?
Absolutely! Startups and small businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply, as the awards aim to support and elevate businesses at various stages of growth.
We invite you to enter and write the next chapter of South African business success, together. This is more than an award; It’s your moment. Claim it!