South Africa’s entrepreneurs are the engine of economic growth, but too often they’re locked out of the very industries and markets their ideas could transform. Breaking through these barriers requires access, mentorship and the right connections.
That’s why in the DHL Route to Market 2025 competition, the real reward is helping entrepreneurs break barriers and gain access to value chains beyond their network. Through high-level training, direct engagement with decision-makers and honest, practical feedback, entrepreneurs gain something no cash prize can buy: the relationships and insights that open doors to real market opportunities.
Here’s what this year’s top three logistics innovators had to say about the experience so far:
- Freddy Mahhumane – KasiD Township Delivery Service
As the founder of KasiD, Freddy Mahhumane is transforming township logistics through a digital, community-driven ecosystem that connects local restaurants, retailers, and drivers to customers through interlinked mobile apps. Built around township realities — not suburban assumptions — KasiD empowers youth drivers, gives small businesses digital visibility, and integrates township commerce with broader supply chains.
“The training session at GIBS was a real eye-opener,” says Mahhumane. “Defining my business’s core values has been a critical part of KasiD’s growth since then. The judges were open, honest, and practical — helping me understand what to expect and how to position myself.”
“The real value of Route to Market is access — to knowledge, to networks, to leaders who want to see small businesses succeed. That kind of opportunity is worth far more than any cash prize.”
- Marko Marais – Hibosolve
Through Hibosolve, Marko Marais has created an a platform that connects clients and transporters instantly, using automation to generate quotes, apply margins, and manage deliveries — all without manual intervention. By digitising a traditionally slow process, he’s bringing transparency and efficiency to every step of the supply chain.
“The first training session completely changed my way of thinking,” Marais reflects. “It helped me see my business differently and really understand its core value. When I met the judges, they were relaxed, engaging, and genuinely invested — that openness made it easy to learn from them.”
“The chance to engage with industry leaders directly is absolutely invaluable. It’s access and feedback that most small business owners never get.”
- Sokrates Oosthuizen – Gridiron Logistics
As the founder of Gridiron Logistics, Sokrates Oosthuizen manages a modern fleet that transports temperature-sensitive goods — from pharmaceuticals to frozen foods — across Southern Africa. Built on sustainability, precision, and trust, Gridiron represents the next generation of compliant, efficient cold-chain transport.
“The DHL Route to Market experience has been incredibly valuable because you get to speak to people who have vast amounts of knowledge and experience — you can’t put a price tag on that,” says Oosthuizen. “Understanding how they think about business and entrepreneurs in this industry has been eye-opening.”
“You shouldn’t enter this competition for prize money. It’s about knowledge, perspective, and relationships that can change how you see your business — and your future.”
Real access. Real networking. Real opportunity.
The DHL Route to Market category embodies what this initiative stands for: real access, real relationships, and real growth. As South Africa strengthens its local supply chains, these entrepreneurs are not just competing — they’re connecting with the leaders who can help them scale their impact across the logistics industry.
SUPPLIED.
