Westgate entrepreneur wins IWISA community champion title
Joy and surprise as Suraya Williams, founder of Design26, is announced the winner. Next to her is Phumzile Nhlapo, premier senior brand manager at IWISA.
Image: Supplied
Design 26 has been named the 2025 IWISA No 1 Community Champion in the Western Cape.
Now in its third year, the competition celebrates social entrepreneurs operating in townships, peri-urban, and rural communities. This year focused on agriculture, education, digital solutions, health, circular economy projects, and other UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Design26 founder, Suraya Williams, from Westgate, the social entrepreneur behind the enterprise, will return home with R50 000 in prize money, business development support, and renewed motivation to expand her social impact across Mitchells Plain and beyond.
The Western Cape winners were announced at the King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town.
Ms Williams claimed first place, Rashaad Sambaba from Adult Education Institute in Parow Valley took second, and Nombasa Bungane from Nutritana secured third.
Each winner shares in the region’s R100 000 prize pool and gains access to mentorship, training, and ongoing business support to grow and sustain their ventures.
With her winnings, Ms Williams plans to invest in her development and upskill young people through her programmes.
She recently purchased land in Harmony Village and submitted development plans with the City of Cape Town, allowing the community to provide input ("Load shedding crippling small business" Plainsman January 26, 2023, and "Foundation aims to uplift young women" Plainsman March 6 2024).
Part of her prize will fund travel allowances for young girls to participate in programmes, while another portion will create Grade R packs that include aprons, chair bags, vests, and other essentials. She is promoting these packs to schools, easing the burden on parents and supporting early childhood education.
Reflecting on the competition, Ms Williams said: “I thought, ‘Did I do enough?’ When the third-place winner was called, I questioned our small business’s impact. But once my name was announced, I turned to my husband, and it was beautiful. I represent women who feel there is no way out. Standing there, I want young girls in my community to see that even in adversity, success is possible.”
The rigorous process highlighted local social enterprises making a high impact and showing compassion.
Despite personal challenges, including a recent back injury, Suraya pushed through, submitting her pitch and presenting with confidence. Mentorship will provide opportunities to visit other businesses, learn, and implement new strategies.
Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier senior brand manager, praised the exceptional presentations and expanded support network, which includes Pindulo VDM, Kasi Konnect, Kamva Capital, and Nedbank.