The Courage to Build
Nominations Open: 27 August 2026
Nominations Close: 30 September 2026
South Africa’s entrepreneurs are the architects of opportunity.
They build businesses, create jobs, drive innovation and contribute to economic growth. Through determination, resilience and vision, they identify opportunities where others see challenges and transform ideas into thriving enterprises that make a lasting impact on industries, communities and the economy.
To recognise these exceptional business leaders, Sunday World invites nominations for Entrepreneurs of Impact 2026, a flagship editorial initiative celebrating the individuals whose courage and commitment are helping to shape South Africa’s future.
Presented under the theme The Courage to Build, the campaign honours entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and perseverance in building sustainable businesses that create meaningful value and opportunity.
We Are Looking For Entrepreneurs Who Are:
- Building successful and sustainable businesses
- Creating jobs and economic opportunities
- Driving innovation and business growth
- Solving challenges through entrepreneurship
- Making a positive impact in their communities
- Inspiring others through their entrepreneurial journey
Entrepreneurs of Impact Categories
This edition focuses on entrepreneurs making a significant contribution in the following sectors:
- Technology & Digital Innovation
- Manufacturing & Industrial Development
- Agriculture & Agribusiness
- Retail & Consumer Excellence
- Financial Services & FinTech
- Creative & Cultural Industries
- Green Economy & Sustainability
- Healthcare & Wellness
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Township & Community Enterprise
- Youth Entrepreneurship
- Social Enterprise & Impact Innovation
Whether they are leading a technology start-up, growing an agricultural enterprise, transforming township economies, pioneering financial solutions or building businesses that serve communities, we want to hear their stories.
If you know an entrepreneur whose courage, vision and determination are creating lasting impact, nominate them for Sunday World Entrepreneurs of Impact 2026: The Courage to Build.
Nomination Timeline
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Activity
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Date
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Nominations Open
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27 August 2026
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Nominations Close
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30 September 2026
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Some wait for opportunity. Others create it.
Nominate a Sunday World Entrepreneur of Impact today.
CATEGORIES
There are ten nomination categories, and you can nominate as many women as you wish across all our country’s provinces. You may also nominate yourself!
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- Women in Academia
- Women Nurturing in the Community
- Women in Business and Industry
- Women in Law
- Women in ICT and Science
- Women in Agriculture
- Women in Construction and Engineering
- Women in Healthcare
- Women in the Public Sector
- Women Defining Sports, Arts and Culture
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General Terms And Conditions
These following terms and conditions for purposes of entry shall apply:
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- An individual can self-nominate or choose to nominate an individual belonging to their community or workplace whom they believe has an exceptional leadership ability. Entrepreneur who works for the good and betterment of the economy and the nation.
- Your nomination must include the following: a. Name and surname of the nominee and their contact details. b. Your name and contact details (the nominator). c. An explanation in about 400 words why the Entrepreneur should be celebrated. Please clearly explain what they do that has inspired your nomination.
- Your nomination will be forwarded to your nominee who must then furnish and verify details and prove date of birth.
- The nominee will then be requested to provide further information in relation to their nomination. It is the responsibility of the nominee to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete. If any of the information provided by the nominee in relation to this project is found to be inaccurate, invalid, false, or misleading, such an entry shall be disregarded, and the nominee will be prohibited from participation.
- It is the nominator’s responsibility to ensure that the entry is received by Sunday World prior to the closure of the project on 30 September 2026. Any entries not received by Sunday World prior to the closure of the competition will not be eligible to participate, regardless of the reasons of late entry. Sunday World is not responsible for any entries that are not received by Sunday World, whether timeously or at all, regardless of the cause thereof.
- Sunday World is not responsible for any injury or damage to your or any other’s person’s device used to enter into, or obtain any material related to this project.
- A panel from various fields will assess the entries and select Sunday World Entrepreneur of Impact today. for 2026.
- The successful nominees will be notified by means of the contact details provided to Sunday World. All nominees that are chosen will be invited to an event to celebrate their recognition as a Sunday World Entrepreneur of Impact today, 2026
- In addition, all entrepreneurs will receive a 3-month eEdition subscription to Sunday World.
- Sunday World reserves the right to vary, postpone, suspend, or cancel the project or any aspect thereof without notice at any time, for any reason which we deem necessary. In the event of such variation, postponement, suspension, or cancellation, you (the nominee and/or nominator) agree to waive any rights, interests, and expectations that you may have in terms of this project and acknowledge that you will have no recourse against Sunday World.
- You agree that your participation in the project and your acceptance or any aspect thereof is at your own risk.
- The decision of the judges/assessors is final and binding on you, and no correspondence will be entered into.
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