On 21 August 2025, the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship officially opened its doors in Sandton with a powerful message: Africa’s future will be built by its entrepreneurs. The launch was celebrated with the inaugural Access Bank Womenpreneur Powered by Regenesys pitch competition, an event that placed the spotlight on women who are breaking barriers, creating jobs, and reshaping communities.
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The star of the evening was Musabeni Sophy Litsani, founder of Vhegies, who walked away as the overall winner of the 2025 competition. Her story of resilience and determination captured the imagination of the judges and audience alike, proving that with vision and persistence, a small idea can grow into a business with impact.
From an Idea to a Thriving Agribusiness
Litsani’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 with nothing more than a dream. With no land and no funding, her ambition to grow food that communities could rely on seemed almost impossible. That changed in 2020 when she secured a 14-hectare plot in Mapleton, near Vosloorus. The land was overrun with weeds, but she turned it into productive farmland that today produces spinach, pumpkins, beans, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
Her company, Vhegies, carries the vision to “ensure that we eat what we grow.” Looking to the future, Litsani plans to expand into Limpopo and establish a processing facility that will help extend the shelf life of her produce and open up new markets. Beyond profits, she is committed to creating jobs, transferring skills, and uplifting the communities that surround her business.
The Top Three Winners
The pitch competition brought together 11 inspiring finalists, each with just 60 seconds to convince the judges of their business vision. After reviewing the plans, strategies, and pitches, the top three were announced:
1st Place: Musabeni Sophy Litsani – Vhegies (Pty) Ltd
The overall winner, Litsani, received:
- R100,000 in cash
- A Regenesys hamper
- A Huawei smartphone and pods
- A four-day Women in Leadership course with Regenesys Corporate Education
- A Toyota Fortuner to drive for a week, sponsored by Toyota
2nd Place: Khabonina Mnguni – Zibangwenya Supplies (Pty) Ltd T/A ZS Uniforms
Mnguni earned second place for her growing uniforms business and walked away with:
- R50,000 in cash
- A Regenesys hamper
- A Huawei smartphone and pods
- A four-day Women in Leadership course with Regenesys Corporate Education
3rd Place: Hlobisile Yende – Yende and Partners (Pty) Ltd
Yende, founder of a dynamic consulting firm, secured third place and received:
- R25,000 in cash
- A Regenesys hamper
- A Huawei tablet and pods
- A four-day Women in Leadership course with Regenesys Corporate Education
Recognising All Finalists
All remaining finalists also received prizes, including R10,000 in cash, a Huawei tablet, a Regenesys hamper, and access to the Women in Leadership programme. Learn more about other professional development opportunities at Regenesys Corporate Education.
These included Velisa Nyamela, founder of Wandimvelo Consulting (Pty) Ltd; Michelle Moswane of Mishies Company; Dr Andile Molokomme of Andi Beauty Group; Mosa Hope Mapheto of Greatfuel; Andiswa Tsewana of Imijelo yeAfrika (Pty) Ltd; Bveledzani Makhado of Takuwauime (Pty) Ltd trading as Vultures Waste Management and Projects; and Mary Maphosa of Kidunia Organics.
Adding to the excitement, a crowd favourite award of a Huawei phone and pods was given to the participant who won the hearts of the audience, while Access Bank further announced up to R20 million in debt financing for the Top 20 participants at exclusive discounted rates. This funding will help scale operations, support innovation, and create sustainable impact, ensuring that the competition’s legacy extends far beyond the launch event.
More Than a Competition
For Regenesys, the pitch contest was more than just a launch activity. It was a demonstration of the very purpose of the School of Entrepreneurship: to give African entrepreneurs practical tools, access to networks, and opportunities to secure capital.
Dr Reabetswe Kgoroeadira, CEO of the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship, summed it up perfectly:
“Our mission is to nurture entrepreneurs who are not only business-ready but life-ready, equipped with creativity, resilience and ethical leadership. Sophy’s journey shows exactly what is possible when ambition meets opportunity.”
Sandile Shabalala, CEO of Access Bank South Africa, added that the competition was designed to provide women entrepreneurs with more than just exposure:
“We want to create real pathways to investment and sustainable growth. The winner’s story reflects the energy and resilience of women across Africa. Our role is to ensure those ideas find the capital and credibility they need to flourish.”
The Future of African Entrepreneurship
The launch of the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship marks the beginning of a new chapter in how business education and financial institutions can work together to fuel inclusive growth. By empowering women, supporting access to capital, and encouraging innovation, the school and its partners are building a stronger foundation for Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Musabeni Sophy Litsani’s victory is more than just a success story. It is a reminder that when determination is matched with opportunity, extraordinary things can happen. Her win will inspire many other women to step forward, pitch their ideas, and play their part in shaping South Africa’s economic future.
To explore more about our schools, programmes, and impact, visit Regenesys Education.
