Honeydew innovators earn top honours at SAB Foundation Awards
Elizabeth Moynihan and Kotonki engineers win over R1m in grant funding
After a tough slog, recognition has been given to the power of hard work.
The SAB Foundation, in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), held their prestigious awards ceremony to honour those making a difference in South Africa. As well as the accolades, the foundation awarded R18 million in grant funding and business development support to 29 deserving entrepreneurs at its 12th annual Social Innovation and 7th annual Disability Empowerment Awards.
First prize in the Social Innovation category went to Elizabeth Moynihan from Pro-Opt Engineering and their innovative adaptation of the tractor, the Kotonki. The all-terrain multi-purpose low-cost utility vehicle assists emerging rural farmers in performing their daily tasks. Designed by Xavier Meeuwissen and Pierre Quoillin, the Kotonki features a swivel carriage connected to an A-frame, operated by a single joystick for seamless forward, reverse and side-to-side steering.
As well as the two Europeans, Louis Eksteen serves as senior engineer while Elton Kundi handles the technical design drawings working under Xavier. Chantelle Smith, Johan Goosen and Ilka Otgaar are the marketing, administrative and finance gurus while Jacob Nkoma and Tsitsi Sithole guide the assembly team in the warehouse.
“The entire team has put a lot of effort into getting us to this; a place where we have a marketable innovation with endless possibilities,” said Elizabeth.
The theme for this year’s awards was renewal, revival and resilience, honouring the tenacity and sheer will of South African entrepreneurs.
“We are so inspired by the innovations we have seen and applaud these brilliant problem solvers,” said Zoleka Lisa, Vice President of Corporate Affairs from South African Breweries. “We support social innovation and it has been a privilege for us to collaborate with the SAB Foundation” she added.
Founded in 2010, the SAB Foundation provides funding for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in order to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons through entrepreneurship development. The SAB Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are women, youth, people living with disabilities and people living in rural areas, from low-income backgrounds. More than R534 million to date has been invested in social innovation, disability empowerment and SMMEs.
“This innovation award will enable us to further develop Kotonki implements to meet the needs,” added Elazabeth, sharing that they have had requests to add a plough, harvester, mower and full irrigation system, among others. Excited to create localised employment opportunities across Africa, Elizabeth concluded, “We’d like to thank our entire team for all their diligent effort and we would like to thank SAB Foundation for helping us along the way in realising the potential Kotonki has to offer”.
