Food Lover’s Market proudly announced the winner of its 2025 Seeds of Change Supplier Enterprise Development Programme at a finale held at Workshop 17 in the V&A Waterfront on Friday, 13 June. The announcement marked the culmination of a high-impact week of learning, mentoring and pitching, with ten aspiring social entrepreneurs vying for the opportunity to join the Food Lover’s Market supplier network.
Thekga Movement, led by social entrepreneur Boitumelo Mphahlele, emerged as the overall winner for its innovative solution to climate and energy challenges. The enterprise transforms alien invasive plant species—such as water hyacinth and pine—into clean-burning biomass briquettes and eco logs, offering affordable, sustainable energy alternatives while empowering underserved communities.
“This is a surreal moment,” said Mphahlele. “Winning the Seeds of Change Programme gives us the platform and support we need to scale our impact. This isn’t just about briquettes—it’s about building circular economies that uplift people while healing the planet.”
Mphahlele praised the programme experience, describing it as “transformational and practical.” She added:
“The Food Lover’s Market team and mentors offered incredible insights into retail readiness, brand building, and sustainability. I would encourage any social entrepreneur out there to apply next year. It’s an opportunity to turn your purpose into real impact.”
Honouring Excellence in Social Enterprise
Two other standout entrepreneurs also received top honours:
Second Place: Oya Foods, represented by Lebo BIko – a proudly woman-led business, Oya Foods is revolutionising the way we consume and reduce food waste. With a dehydration-focused processing method that requires no preservatives or additives, Oya transforms food that would otherwise be wasted – such as surplus or blemished produce – into nutrient-dense powders, sauces, snacks, and garnishes. Not only does this approach preserve nutrition and taste, but it actively contributes to reducing food waste and environmental harm. This circular model supports small-scale women farmers and closes the loop on food systems.
Third Place: Azowel Projects, represented by Welile Gumede – This KwaZulu-Natal-based social enterprise is redefining the future of farming by bringing underutilised land back into production. Through sustainable hydroponic methods and regenerative agricultural practices, Azowel Projects cultivates high-demand crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens – while creating jobs, boosting local food security, and empowering rural youth and women in the iLembe District.
Seeds of Change: Fuelled by Purpose
While Africa is home to millions of social enterprises, South Africa alone is estimated to have approximately 140,000, according to research from the University of Cape Town. Importantly, a significant portion are black-owned (63.3%) and led by women (52%) — further proof that purpose-led business is also a vehicle for economic inclusion and transformation.
Launched in 2021, Seeds of Change is Food Lover’s Market’s flagship enterprise development programme. Over the past five years, it has supported more than 120 social entrepreneurs through mentorship, market access, and retail integration, with 11 listed in-store and a combined supplier purchasing value of over R7.4 million.
“At Food Lover’s Market, our purpose is to Change Lives. Seeds of Change is one of the ways we bring that to life,” said Terri Coppin-Harris, Communications and Culture Manager for Food Lover’s Market. “We believe that supporting small, values-driven businesses is not just good for communities — it’s essential for the future of ethical, sustainable food retail.”
She added:
“This year’s finalists inspired us with their creativity, grit, and dedication to solving real-world challenges. Thekga Movement exemplifies the kind of supplier we want to grow with—innovative, purpose-led, and deeply rooted in community.”
A Movement That’s Growing
The 2025 programme included a week-long bootcamp from 9 to 12 June, culminating in the Fertile Ground Pitching Day on 13 June. Finalists were assessed on sustainability, scalability, innovation, and alignment to Food Lover’s Market values.
From artisanal food to clean energy, Seeds of Change continues to spotlight South African entrepreneurs who are rewriting the script on business as usual.
