A South African university student has come up with a product that keeps you clean and fresh without having to set foot in a bathtub or shower.

Ludwick Marishane, a third-year commerce student at the University of Cape Town, has patented Dry Bath, which he describes as a bath or shower replacement.

The product, yet to go on sale, has made Marishane one of the finalists for the Anzisha Prize, aimed at recognising Africa's young entrepreneurial leaders.

The competition, run by the African Leadership Academy and the MasterCard Foundation, is in its second year.

The award, which carries a first prize of $70000, will be announced on Thursday.

Born and raised in the Limpopo village of Motetema, outside Groblersdal, Marishane said he got the idea to develop Dry Bath when his friend was too lazy to take a bath.

He researched various germicidal cosmetics and developed a theoretical formula.

He named it Dry Bath, which people can use by simply applying the lotion, which kills germs, moisturises the skin and leaves a sweet scent.

Marishane is up against seven other young entrepreneurs.