All Day Jam named winner of 702 MTN Small Business Awards

All Day Jam has been named the winner of this year’s 702 MTN Small Business Awards, after a search for SMEs turning bold ideas into growing businesses.

The business, founded by Gontse Selaocoe from Orange Farm, was announced as the winner during the awards finals on Thursday.

Speaking to 702 after the win, Selaocoe said he was still feeling the magic of the moment.

“I feel excited,” he said, greeting “the 702 listeners and the community from Orange Farm as well”.

Selaocoe said the inspiration behind All Day Jam runs deep in his family history, tracing the idea back to his grandparents and great-grandparents.

“My grandfather, his father used to teach him how to farm. Then when my grandmother got married to that family, that’s when they taught her how to make the jam and the skills have been transferred to me after so many years.”

He said the business is not only a personal achievement.

“What I would say is that this is not just my blessings. This thing is coming from my ancestors and God, and I really appreciate that.”

The judging process, Selaocoe said, was one of the toughest he has experienced, despite previously having taken part in several competitions and winning a few.

“It was not simple. It was very, very difficult,” he said.

One of the judges said the competition was designed to test whether small businesses had both strong ideas and sustainable business models.

“If you are a business that’s in food, we want to know that you’re certified to make the food,” the judge said.

“Do you know your certifications, firstly? But secondly, also, do you know the numbers? You know, the input costs of making the jam. Yes, you farm it. Do you need preservatives? How much do they cost you? And how do you make your profit?”

The judge said All Day Jam stood out because of the broader impact it is having in its community.

“He blew us away in that it’s a whole ecosystem in that community, from the farm to the jar,” the judge said.

“Everyone is getting upskilled by this particular business, learning how to get into food tech. A lot of the young people, they’re going for courses for that. They’ve built a small factory in the community, also creating jobs.”

The judge added that All Day Jam also showed business potential.

“The numbers are looking good. And for them, going into the next five or 10 years, I mean, you should be seeing them in your local grocer.”

Selaocoe dedicated the award to his family and community, saying the win carried special meaning after the loss of his grandfather last year.

He also thanked the awards partners for recognising small businesses.

“Thanks a lot, and thanks to MTN and 702. Keep this up.”