They are positioning themselves as national ambassadors of innovation and entrepreneurship.The announcement follows weeks of rigorous evaluations and reviews that culminated in the selection of South Africa’s brightest young innovators.
The national finals are set to take place on 25 November 2025 in Gauteng, where finalists will present bold, future-focused solutions addressing real-world challenges.
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Jazmyn Du Preez Ayabulela, Karen Snyman and Ayabulela Binase.
Ayabulela Binase is a second-year master’s student in molecular biology and developed the NanoLAMP Diagnostic Field Kit.
The Kit is designed for early detection of viral pathogens that affect common bean crops in South Africa.
Her master's research study identified viral pathogens in common bean cultivars in South Africa using molecular techniques across six plots in the Free State and Mpumalanga provinces.
It led to the development of the affordable NanoLAMP kit, similar to a home pregnancy test, empowering farmers to detect infections early and support sustainable agriculture.
Jazmyn Du Preez, is a second-year MCom Business Management student and the founder of JTD Holdings – Fin Align, a mobile-first financial app designed specifically for South Africans.
The app offers real-time AI coaching and gamified tools to help users navigate challenges like Black Tax, irregular income, and language barriers while building lasting financial habits.
Unlike traditional banking apps, it takes a holistic, unbiased approach to financial planning and is also built for institutional use by universities, NGOs, and employers to promote broader financial inclusion and literacy. The topic of Jazmyn’s master’s research is Finance applications: Assessing the alignment of financial planning components and user expectations.
“Having not just one, but two of our students among the top 20 nationally is an incredibly proud moment. Ayabulela and Jazmyn embody the spirit of resilience, creativity, and problem-solving that we cultivate at Mandela University. They are flying the flag high for our institution and inspiring their peers to see entrepreneurship as a pathway to making real impact,” reflects Karen Snyman, Specialist: Student Entrepreneurship.
The EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge serves as a national platform for studentpreneurs to showcase solutions that contribute to sustainable development, economic growth, and social impact. By reaching this stage, Mandela University’s finalists have demonstrated not only innovation but also the readiness to compete and lead at a national scale.
As the countdown to the final begins, all eyes are on South Africa’s future-shaping innovators – with Mandela University proudly represented at the forefront.