Mzansi farmer Gugulethu Mahlangu is making waves as one of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund winners. As the boss behind House Harvest, she scored R250 000 for her aquaponics farm, which combines eco-friendly farming with a mission to feed and uplift her community.
The Xero Beautiful Business Fund, a global initiative by the small business platform, awarded R8 million to 28 small businesses and non-profits across seven countries.
This year’s winners were celebrated for their creative approaches to challenges and transformative work in their fields. Businesses were selected based on compelling 90-second video submissions demonstrating how the funding would advance their goals.
House Harvest captured the judges’ attention with its women-led, low-carbon farming practices.
The aquaponics farm minimises its environmental footprint by reusing 90% of its water and using fly larvae as sustainable fish feed while producing fresh, pesticide-free food. Mahlangu plans to use the prize money to build a packhouse, improve storage facilities, and integrate solar energy into operations.
“This support is not only a recognition of our hard work but a stepping stone toward making an even greater impact,” Mahlangu said.
“With this funding, we’ll reinforce our commitment to sustainability and nourish our community with pesticide-free foods. I sincerely thank Xero for believing in our vision and helping us take significant strides to grow bigger and better.”
Mzansi innovators shine in Xero awards
Mahlangu was among four South African winners. Atomedge, a Cape Town-based company creating cutting-edge 3D anatomy models, will use its R250 000 prize to upgrade its technology and expand its reach into medical education and research.
The Underdog Project, a non-profit connecting underprivileged youth with shelter dogs for collective healing, will establish a peer-leader programme to expand its impact. ABEOD, an aviation advisory and drone operator, plans to launch a drone school to bring valuable skills to underserved communities.
“These businesses embody the resilience and optimism at the heart of South African small enterprises,” said Colin Timmis, Xero’s South Africa country manager. “They are truly inspiring, using technology to innovate and create meaningful change in their communities.”
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included South African business leaders and Xero representatives. The judges praised the winners for their dedication to redefining what’s possible and their ability to turn visionary ideas into impactful realities.
Globally, winners represented a diverse range of industries and causes, from regenerative agriculture to advanced technology and community empowerment. Each Mzansi winner received R250 000, while four global winners earned R550 000 each.
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