Cape Town – The Hollywood Foundation continued its mission to uplift small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) by hosting the Western Cape Bambelela Business Awards 2025, held over two days on 19 and 20 June in Cape Town. Building on the momentum of previous successful editions, this year’s event placed a strong emphasis on digital innovation in tourism and trade, themed “Advancing Tourism and Trade in the Western Cape through Digital Innovation”, aligning with the region’s evolving business landscape.
Now in its second year in the province, the awards celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of Western Cape business owners who are driving transformation, employment, and community empowerment through technology-led solutions. The Foundation increased its investment to R1 million in prize funding and support – a testament to its ongoing commitment to economic development and the sustainability of SMMEs across South Africa.
The event commenced with an Exhibition and Seminar at the Civic Centre, where shortlisted businesses showcased their innovations and participated in panel discussions focused on leveraging technology for SMME growth, enhancing access to funding, and bridging the digital divide. The programme concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, where the top-performing businesses were honoured in the presence of local dignitaries, industry experts, and community leaders. Ms. Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager for the Hollywood Group, said:
“The Western Cape Bambelela Business Awards embody our goal to ignite innovation and unlock opportunity through our enterprise and social development programmes. We believe in the power of SMMEs to shape local economies, and this year’s focus on digital transformation reflects our commitment to future-proofing these enterprises.”
: Minister of Finance, Advocate Deidre Baartman, who was keynote speaker, said “”These awards hold significant value in the Western Cape, especially when collaborating with the private sector, as our primary focus is on economic growth and job creation. I encourage every SMME to register for opportunities to do business with the provincial government, where we have established systems to support their success in trade.”
The Western Cape edition follows the successful Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo awards earlier this year, reaffirming the Foundation’s national footprint in creating inclusive economic growth through targeted interventions. Since the inception of the Bambelela Business Awards, the Hollywood Foundation has invested over R8.7 million, across various provinces.
This year, the Hollywood Foundation increased its investment to R1 million in funding and support, a bold and intentional move that reaffirms its mission to build long-term sustainability in the SMME sector.
The 2025 edition drew notable sponsors who share in this vision. MTN South Africa, for instance, contributed tablets and one year of data connectivity to the top three winners, addressing a crucial need for digital access. Grand Parade Investments (GPI), a Western Cape holding company focused on gaming, leisure, and hospitality, also stepped forward with a R100,000 investment into three women-owned businesses, underscoring the importance of inclusive growth.
The Foundation congratulates all winners and extends its appreciation to stakeholders, government representatives, and the local community for supporting the Western Cape leg of this flagship CSI initiative. The success of the Bambelela Business Awards reinforces the Hollywood Foundation’s belief that when we invest in small businesses, we invest in South Africa’s future.
Here’s a list of the Top 20 Winners:
First-Prize Winner and winner of R130 000:
Rich Aunties Candles (Pty) Ltd
Second Prize Winner and winner of R100 000:
Industrial Med Link (Pty) Ltd
Third-Prize Winner and winner of R70 000:
YNOT Health
Seventeen Runner-Ups and recipients of R40 000
Body Basics Massage on the Move (Pty) Ltd
Simply Green Cleaning Solutions (Pty) Ltd
What the Fudge (Pty) Ltd
Kota Bhele (Pty) Ltd
Cloudy Deliveries (Pty) Ltd
Bella Nova Aesthetics (Pty) Ltd
Sisters in Concrete and Construction (Pty) Ltd
Maroro Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Lingomso Lethu Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
Jowies Eatery (Pty) Ltd
Maz Joinery Projects (Pty) Ltd
Meraki Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Khozaland (Pty) Ltd
Wundalash (Pty) Ltd
LadyYoee Nails and Beauty (Pty) Ltd
JDG EVENTS PTY LTD (Pty) Ltd
T-Squared Clothing (Pty) Ltd
Spot Prize Winners
Recipient of R10 000: Facebook Marketing Competition.
Jika Jika Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Recipient of R5 000: Early Bird Pitchers Award;
Master Blaq Entertainment (Pty) Ltd
Recipient of R5 000: Best presented exhibition stand;
Body Basics Massage on the Move (Pty) Ltd
-ENDS-
Editorial and general inquiries: Vuyisile Ngobese, Public Relations Officer for the Hollywood Foundation email: [email protected] Tel: 072 841 5471.
The Hollywood Foundation is on a mission to bring HOPE. For more info, click here: https://hollywoodfoundation.co.za
