The initiative aims to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, access opportunities and take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys, says SPAR.

Mabuba won first place for Buddy Learning, an online tutoring platform inspired by the educational challenges she witnessed growing up in a village, where many children did not have access to learning support in their mother tongue, adds SPAR.

Mabuba says her vision is to make quality tutoring more accessible by enabling children to learn and receive academic support in the language in which they are most comfortable and confident.

The online model also aims to respond to another very real South African consideration: safety. By allowing learners to access tutoring remotely, Buddy Learning aims to reduce the need for children and tutors to travel to and from in-person lessons, while opening access to educational support beyond their immediate communities, says SPAR.

Thandeka Ngcongo of Orchid Medical was named the second-place winner. Ngcongo was unable to attend the ceremony and receive her award in person. Zulfa Nkosi of Zulfa's Glamour Girls took third place.

For SPAR, the culmination of this year's 'Her Perfect Pitch' programme came at a particularly poignant time for women in South Africa.

Mpudi Maubane, PR, Communications and Sponsorships of SPAR Group, says that the occasion provided an important opportunity to recognise both the challenges women continue to face and their determination to build, lead and create opportunities.

"There is a heaviness in South Africa at the moment as we are once again confronted by the devastating reality of gender-based violence and the ongoing fight for women to feel safe in our country. We cannot ignore that reality," says Maubane.

"At the same time, it is important that we continue to create spaces that recognise women for their ideas, ambition, resilience and contribution to our economy and communities," adds Maubane. "'Her Perfect Pitch' gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges women face while also celebrating women who are building businesses, creating opportunities and changing lives."

"Tshaamano's story is particularly meaningful because her business was born from a challenge she witnessed first-hand. She has taken that experience and turned it into a solution that addresses education and accessibility while also considering the realities of safety in South Africa," says Maubane. "We congratulate her, Thandeka, Zulfa and every woman who participated in this year's programme."

SPAR's support of the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to recognising and creating opportunities for women across South Africa — as entrepreneurs, employers, community leaders and economic contributors.

"Supporting women must ultimately translate into meaningful opportunities," says Maubane. "When women entrepreneurs are given access to platforms, networks and support, the impact extends beyond one individual or one business. It reaches families, employees and communities. That is why we are proud to support Jacaranda FM's 'Her Perfect Pitch' initiative alongside 1st for Women."

SPAR concludes by congratulating Tshaamano Mabuba, Thandeka Ngcongo and Zulfa Nkosi, as well as all the Season 5 finalists, for the businesses they are building and the contribution they are making to South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape.

For more information, visit www.spar.co.za. You can also follow the SPAR Group on Facebook.

*Image courtesy of contributor