Social entrepreneurs, the wait is over! Iwisa No.1 has officially launched the 2025 edition of its flagship Community Champions Competition – an annual purpose-led initiative that celebrates SMMEs creating waves of positive change and impact in their communities.
Launched online this recently, the Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition recognises township, rural and peri-urban businesses that are quietly solving South Africa’s most pressing challenges – from food insecurity to youth unemployment, all the way through to education inequality and environmental sustainability.
The competition is their platform to be seen, supported and celebrated: honouring everyday South African heroes and heroines driving extraordinary change.
“The competition is inspired by the fundamental belief that each of us is able to do good and bring positive change. This is made even more powerful when we do it together,” says Sibongile Mooko, Premier Executive: Marketing and Insights.
“There are thousands of South Africans working tirelessly to uplift and empower communities across the country. So many of their stories remain untold and their impact unacknowledged. Through this competition, we want to find them, engage with them and give them tools to scale their impact. We want to shine a spotlight on their contributions and the challenges they face so that others can put up their hands to help and support them too.”
Now in its third year, the competition went live on 15 June 2025.
“It was important for us to launch in Youth Month as one of the brand’s youth-focused initiatives,” explains Mooko. “So much positive change an impact is being driven by our young people in our communities. Year-on-year they remain some of our most inspiring entrants – looking at pervasive challenges in new ways to find innovative solutions.”
The competition is open to social enterprises that have been operating for more than two years and are based in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng or Western Cape.
“Eligible businesses must address a clear social or environmental issue while also being financially active.” Applications close on 31 July 2025 and must be submitted using the application form link available here on the Iwisa No 1 website (arrow to the right will show Community Champions competition information).
The top ten finalists from each region will take part in expert-led pitch workshops to prepare them to compete in the in-person regional finals: “Finalists will be competing for their share of R240 000 in funding, with each region allocating R30 000, R20 000 and R10 000 to the first, second and third place winners respectively.”
All regional winners will also attend a business bootcamp and receive three months of dedicated mentorship, ensuring that the impact of the competition extends far beyond the cash prize. “In line with South Africa’s national development priorities of the G20 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we’re excited to announce that this year’s competition will focus specifically on SMMEs contributing directly towards food security and nutrition; education and skills development; health and wellbeing; clean and affordable energy; circular economy and recycling; or digital and tech innovation,” she adds.
“These are critical sectors that will define the futures of our local communities. We want to identify entrepreneurs already building solutions in these spaces and help them to grow.”
As in previous years, the competition is driven by Iwisa No.1’s brand purpose: to build stronger communities and enable the individuals in them by creating opportunity and recognition.
“Our supporting tagline of ‘Together we don’t just do good. We fill good’ speaks to the collective power of community, and the good that is created when corporates, citizens and entrepreneurs unite for change,” says Mooko.
“Iwisa No 1 has always been a brand that brings people together to share, support and inspire each other. This year we’re taking that a step further in each participating region by working closely with key stakeholders to amplify the competition’s impact. Keep watching this space!”
In a world where bad news often dominates the headlines, the Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition is a celebration of hope and purpose: something we all need.
“We’re calling on all impact-makers to enter and for South Africans to support them. Yours are stories that deserve the spotlight – of people shaping South Africa’s future one business, one job, one act of good at a time,” she concludes. “We wish you all every success with your application.”
IWISA No.1 has been an iconic maize brand and family favourite since 1956. It is a brand that has captured the hearts and minds of our nation, built trust and created wonderful family memories with every delicious meal – whether for breakfast, lunch or supper – through consistent quality, nourishment and fill.
The full IWISA No.1 range comprises IWISA No.1 Super Maize Meal, IWISA No.1 Traditional Samp, IWISA No.1 Easy Cook Samp, IWISA No.1 Maize Rice, IWISA No.1 Creamy Maize Flour and IWISA No.1 Instant Maize Porridge, Iwisa No1 Mageu, Iwisa Power Up Multigrain porridge and Iwisa Power Up Multigrain beverage.
Whichever IWISA No.1 maize product you choose, you will find it to be an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes as well as vegetable dishes, casseroles and stews. Our Iwisa No1 instant maize porridge and Iwisa Power Up Multigrain porridge are delicious breakfast solutions that are quick and easy to make and can be consumed on the go or as a quick snack.
Year after year, IWISA No.1 is still the choice for taste and quality. IWISA No.1 provides homely meals (warm, nourishing and filling) that draw people and communities together, giving them a sense of belonging and ensuring designed to inspire, inform, and captivate while staying brand-aligned:
Iwisa No.1 Launches 2025 Community Champions Competition
Are you an everyday hero transforming your community through business? Your moment has arrived. Iwisa No.1, South Africa’s beloved maize brand, has officially launched the 2025 Community Champions Competition—an empowering, purpose-driven initiative that recognises township, rural, and peri-urban SMMEs tackling the country’s biggest challenges head-on.
Now in its third year, this flagship competition celebrates local social enterprises making a real difference in areas like food security, youth employment, education, sustainability, and more. It’s not just a competition—it’s a powerful platform for visibility, mentorship, funding, and national recognition.
“Each of us has the power to do good and bring about change—and it’s even more powerful when we do it together,” says Sibongile Mooko, Premier Executive: Marketing and Insights.
🎯 What’s at Stake? This year’s competition focuses on impact-led enterprises in:
🍽️ Food security & nutrition
🎓 Education & skills development
💡 Digital & tech innovation
🌱 Environmental sustainability & circular economy
🏥 Health & wellbeing
⚡ Affordable, clean energy
Applications close: 31 July 2025 Apply here: Iwisa Community Champions 2025
📍 Who Can Apply? If you’re based in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng or Western Cape, have been operating for at least two years, and are financially active while addressing a clear social or environmental issue—you’re eligible.
🏆 Why Enter?
R240 000 in total funding up for grabs
Business bootcamps and pitch workshops
3-month mentorship programme
Regional recognition & national exposure
“Year after year, we’re inspired by young entrepreneurs who reimagine challenges into innovative solutions,” says Mooko. “We want to shine a light on these changemakers and offer them the tools to amplify their impact.”
💚 More Than Maize Since 1956, Iwisa No.1 has nourished families across South Africa. From classic Super Maize Meal and creamy samp, to modern porridge and multigrain solutions, every product speaks of warmth, quality and home.
“Together we don’t just do good. We fill good.”
In a world filled with uncertainty, the Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition reminds us of what truly matters—hope, purpose, and the power of community. So, if you’re a local changemaker, this is your sign: step into the spotlight, share your story, and lead the way.
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Let’s build a better South Africa—together.