Mpumalanga – The Hollywood Foundation is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the Bambelela Business Awards, held at The Ridge Hotel on April 30, 2024. This prestigious event celebrated the resilience, innovation, and achievements of Mpumalanga’s entrepreneurial community, marking a significant milestone in the journey to empower local businesses.
The two-day event, which commenced on April 29 at the Emalahleni Municipality Civic Centre, witnessed the participation of 108 businesses in the Exhibition and Pitch for Funding Programme. Entrepreneurs from diverse industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, mining, education, and more, showcased their ventures to judges for a chance to secure a share of the increased R1 million allocation. This initiative underscored the Hollywood Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Top 20 winners, who received a portion of the allocated funds to support their business operations. Among the winners were Tembo Engineering, represented by Mphephu Nengovhela, who received the First Prize of R130,000, and Mphazima Funeral Services, represented by Nomasonto Zwane, who received the Second Prize of R100,000. Additionally, seventeen runner-up businesses were awarded R40,000 each, recognising their dedication and contribution to the local economy.
“We are thrilled to witness the resounding success of the Bambelela Business Awards,” said Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at Hollywood Foundation. “The enthusiasm and talent displayed by our local entrepreneurs is truly inspiring, and we are proud to support their endeavours.”
Addressing the SMMEs at the Gala Dinner, Executive Mayor of Emalahleni, Cllr. Leah Mabuza said, “If we want to leverage our competitive advantage, we must keep up with a pace of National and Global Economic Evolution, underpinned by principles of ethical leadership, thought leadership, innovation and lifelong learning. Let us stop taking short-cuts.”
The Gala Dinner, held on April 30 at The Ridge Hotel, served as a culmination of the event, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the participants and winners. Government officials, business leaders, and members of the media joined in the festivities, highlighting the significance of the Bambelela Business Awards in driving economic growth and empowerment in Mpumalanga.
As the Bambelela Business Awards come to a close, the Hollywood Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable development in the region. The Foundation extends its congratulations to all participants and winners and looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting local businesses.
Here are the Top Three Winners
- First Prize Winner – Tembo Engineering represented by Mphephu Nengovhela receives R130 000
- Second Prize Winner – Mphazima Funeral Services represented by Nomasonto Zwane receives R100 000
- Third Prize Winner – Sitjhetjheni represented by Ntombifuthi Mngomezulu receives R70 000
Seventeen Runners-up receiving R40 000
- Aw Dalia
- Ubuhlebenkosi Enterprise
- Siphandane General Trading
- Samanjalo
- Aqua green and Projects
- Happy Hub
- Matwo Enterprise
- NKAMEENGALA HOLDINGS (Pty) Ltd
- Feather Kings Cleaning Solutions
- Leyama Projects
- Lungile Poultry Farm
- Project Artour
- Collabrains Technologies
- Charimo Travel Solutionz
- LISAS CORNER
- SN360 Pty Ltd T/A SNT Auto Parts
- Treasured Kids Academy
