Momint Crowned Entrepreneur of the Year At EPF Tech Awards

Momint, the Cape Town-headquartered blockchain firm specialising in real assets and legal contracts, achieved the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural EPF Tech Awards. The awards ceremony, often likened to the Oscars for innovators, unfolded at the glamorous The Ballroom, Monte Casino in Johannesburg.

Distinguished for its groundbreaking contributions, Momint showcased its innovative solutions at the EPF Tech Awards, where exceptional minds were recognized across diverse categories.

The Momint platform stands out for streamlining transactions through its integrated digital wallet and leveraging decentralized finance to transform the landscape of solar investments.

After hosting Africa’s largest Digital Asset auction in March 2022, Momint launched the SunCash initiative to address South Africa’s energy crisis. By allowing individuals to purchase solar cells for as little as R85 and sell solar energy back to public institutions, SunCash has created a win-win situation for users and the environment.

The EPF Tech Awards, in collaboration with our partners and sponsors, congratulates all the winners for their outstanding contributions.

In a poignant address, the EPF Tech Fund CEO Joanna Govender shone a spotlight on the remarkable youth talents and tech initiatives that sculpted a brighter South Africa during the EPF Tech Awards event.

The CEO acknowledged and applauded the trailblazers who not only shaped the future but also inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.

The CEO expressed a keen awareness of the formidable challenges that startups encounter.

During the event, it was highlighted that the EPF Tech Awards were not merely about recognition; they served as a vital platform for growth. Emerging tech enterprises were granted the opportunity to accelerate their development, received invaluable mentorship, and gained access to resources that were indispensable for their journey to flourish in an intensely competitive landscape.

The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) is actively involved in promoting the development of youth and entrepreneur skills in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector since 2016.

EPF has a strong focus on recognising and supporting local talent and technology in South Africa. This prestigious event aims to showcase the talent and technology of tech-based businesses across all nine provinces of South Africa.

By organising the EPF Annual Technology Awards, EPF aims to foster a vibrant and competitive tech ecosystem within the country while promoting local talent and homegrown technology solutions.

The full list of the inaugural EPF Tech Awards 2023 winners:

• Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Momint
• Global Impact Award – Smart View Technology
• Tech Leader Industry Award – The Good People Data Company
• Outstanding Women in Tech Award – Rachel Nomcebo Magagula
• Leadership and Community Award – Elle Cup
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Loyiso Tyira
• Young/Emerging Innovator Award – Greenshare Virtual Power Plant
• Best Tech Startup Award – Innoble
• Best Tech Product Award – Omni Secure
• NGO Social Impact Aawrd – GirlCode ZA
• Best Tech Solution Award – Foonda Africa
• EPF Tech Awards Youngest Innovator – Phakiso Ditlhale

Now 17 Phakiso Siyabonga Ditlhale, shared that he developed a security alarm system for the community and local businesses in response to a surge in burglaries. His innovation, named Guardova, harnesses three energy sources – electricity, solar power, and a battery.

Guardova is a security monitoring alarm system that seamlessly integrates these power sources. In case of load shedding, energy harvested is stored in the battery to ensure continuous operation. The system employs a sensor to detect unusual motion or emergencies.

A red light indicates its armed status, and a buzzer and vibrator serve as alerts. The system is designed to trigger corresponding sounds on the phones of business or household owners. He aims not only for technological advancement but also to generate employment opportunities within his community.

Remarkably, at just 14-year-old he developed the system in just three weeks.

Founder of EPF, Nathan Mariemuthu, expressed gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and participants for their dedication to advancing technology in South Africa.

In his speech, Mariemuthu highlighted the importance of innovation, acknowledging the incredible talent that exists within the country. He emphasized the growth opportunities for the tech industry and commended individuals and organizations for making a significant impact.

The evening was enriched by the presence of our distinguished guest speakers, Jay Zhou, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud. Jay Zhou’s insights into the future of technology and Huawei’s commitment to innovation resonated with the audience. Dimakatso Masiteng, from National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) perspectives on the evolving role of technology in shaping our society were both enlightening and thought-provoking. Toto Matshediso, from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), further added to the intellectual richness of the Tech Awards event.

The EPF Youth Choir enchanted the audience with their breathtaking performance, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also emphasizing the importance of being an integral part of a community.

The EPF Tech Awards owes its success to the generous support of its sponsors: National Youth Development Agency, Huawei, Unathisiyanda Logistic Solutions, EPF Tech Fund, the Department of Science and Innovation, Acorn Fintech, Mail and Guardian, 919 FM, ProfitShare Partners, Swiss Embassy, Paypoint, MICT SETA, and the EPF Choir for their invaluable contributions.

“Their commitment reflects a shared vision of propelling South Africa into the forefront of the global tech landscape.”