It’s only the second month of 2018 and South African startups, innovators and creatives are already giving us plenty of reasons to take notice and get excited for what’s to come for the rest of the year.
SME South Africa brings you 10 developments that you may have missed.
1. This List of SA Startups Whose Innovations Could Help with Cape Town’s Water Crisis
Wee Tracker recently listed 10 startups who are “focusing their work on applying “smart” solutions to saving, producing or cleaning water” and who could potentially help to solve the water challenges that Cape Town is facing. The startups include the likes of Durban-based company Airwater, Johannesburg-based I-Drop Water and Headboy Industries.
2. Cape Town Film Studio Scores Oscar Nomination
Cape Town-based Triggerfish Studio’s recent animated short-film Revolting Rhymes, in collaboration with UK-based studio Magic Light Pictures, was announced as one of five Oscar finalists in the ‘best animated short film’ category.
The Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde congratulated the studio saying: “The very talented team at Triggerfish is a leading light in the animation industry in Africa. Their work has put animation in our province on the global map and we are extremely proud of all they have done to promote our creative industries. They are now rightfully being recognized for their talent and passion on film-making’s most prestigious stage, and I wish them all the best for the awards ceremony”.
3. Crime Fighting Innovation takes Top Honours At the South African Premier Business Awards
Security Solutions company MeMeZa Community Safety recently won the SMME award at the South African Premier Business Awards. MeMeZa provides low-income communities with security systems to address core safety challenges. The company was also congratulated by The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) for their innovation.
4. African Startups Shine At Global Edtech Awards
Kenya’s M-Schule, Nigeria’s Lizzie’s Creations and South Africa’s Paper Video were finalists at the recent Global Edtech Startup Awards in London, along with 18 startups from around the globe. M-Schule, an AI education platform, took second place behind overall winner Arcterus from Japan.
5. Creative Entrepreneur’s Work Featured in Grammy-Nominated Music Video
South African illustrator and founder of Mother Tongue Creative House Karabo Moletsane collaborated with French musician, Jain, on a music video titled, Makeba. Moletsane painted a mural that featured in the music video. The video was nominated for the 2018 Grammy Music Awards alongside international music giants like Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z.
6. Nandi Madida Debuts Fashion Label At New York Fashion Week for the First Time
South African fashion entrepreneur Nandi Madida recently debuted her fashion label “Colour” at New York Fashion Week. Her previous work includes her fashion line Colourful together with South African designer Inga Madyibi.
7. The 100 Most Influential Young South Africans Announced
In January this year Avance Media announced the 100 most influential South Africans from 2017. The list includes South Africans from various industries, from business and tech to lifestyle and entertainment. Featured on the list are: entrepreneurs Lynette Ntuli, Matt Putman and Sylvester Chauke; fashion designer Rich Mnisi and entertainers like Pearl Thusi, Bonang Matheba and Loyiso Gola, among others.
8. SA Startup Secures Investment from the Virgin Group
wiGroup recently secured an investment from Virgin Group and retail solution Smollan. The company provides mobile-first transactional technology that enables the convergence of payment and loyalty value to over 75,000 retail lanes. The startup has said that the investment would be used to fast-track its entry into emerging and developed markets, according to a Disrupt Africa article.
9. SpaceX Launches Falcon Heavy Rocket
South African-born Elon Musk’s SpaceX, became the world’s most powerful commercial rocket after SpaceX to successfully complete its first launch in February. Following the launch Musk commented on Instagram “Love and rockets”, clearly proud of his company’s achievement.
10. New All-female Team for Tech Hub, Silicon Cape
Silicon Cape, a Cape Town-based community for startups, developers and investors recently appointed four women to its leadership structure, according to an IT Web report. The new leadership team includes Kerry Petrie as interim general manager and Boitumelo Menyatswe, founder of online platform Minderz and one of the 50 most inspiring women in tech listed by global initiative Inspiring Fifty who was appointed ecosystem manager.
