Three forward-looking South Africans took top honours last week at the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) Awards.
Mogale Maleka, Founder of AB Farms, won first prize for his specialised hydroponic farming system, which enables crops to be grown using 90% less water and only 10% of the land usually required for mainstream farming. Maleka’s method reduces electricity consumption by 50% and fertiliser use by 40%. Its built-in resilience functions ensure consistent irrigation even during power or water disruptions.
Sanele Mabizela of Econova Solutions was first runner-up, recognised for his work in converting organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers, reducing South Africa’s dependence on unsustainable landfill for waste disposal.
Second runner-up was Lunga Calvin Mahlangu whose company Graduated Man of Steel manufactures affordable electric cargo bikes that can carry up to 1 000 kg of recyclable materials for those who work in the circular economy (colloquially known as waste pickers). The bike’s battery charges to full capacity in four hours and has a range of up to 100 km in a single charge.
Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Global Environment Facility, the awards acknowledge outstanding achievements by entrepreneurs who are providing new solutions for clean energy and environmental sustainability.
DSTI Minister Professor Blade Nzimande emphasised South Africa’s pressing need for climate-resilient infrastructure that can combat water scarcity, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss and extreme weather events.
TIA invests in start-ups and small and medium enterprises that drive energy efficiency, waste beneficiation, renewable energy, water efficiency and green transport.
Vusi Skosana, TIA’s GCIP Manager and Technology Stations Head, said initiatives such as the GCIP-SA Awards enable innovators and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and networks needed to commercialise solutions that will shape South Africa’s green future.
The other five finalists were:
- Green Building Products (Tebogo Mashifana) – repurposing plastic and solid waste into sustainable, cement-free building materials.
- BCycle SA (Nkamogeleng Bogopa) – creating bicycles from waste plastic, supporting eco-friendly urban mobility.
- ROC Water Technologies (Johannes Maree) – pioneering freeze crystallisation to treat saline water and recover clean water.
- Soldevco (Heindré Rademan) – advancing Ultra-Oxygen technology to improve water treatment efficiency.
- AdamVirgo (Adam Ngele) – developing the Smart Skip Bin to enhance waste collection and recycling.
The winner and runners-up will represent South Africa at the international Cleantech Awards in Türkiye in September this year.
