JOHANNESBURG – Township entrepreneurs took centre stage at the 2026 Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards, where 20 high-potential businesses were recognised for their contribution to local economic development and were awarded more than R1 million in business funding. The initiative, driven by the Hollywood Foundation, continues to create opportunities for small businesses to scale, create jobs and strengthen township economies.
Held under the theme “Unlocking Township Economies – From Survival to Scale,” the three-day programme brought together entrepreneurs, government and private sector partners through business development workshops, industry seminars and high-impact pitch sessions, where entrepreneurs showcased their businesses for funding.
The programme culminated in a Gala Dinner at Emperors Palace, where Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, delivered the keynote address. Representatives from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), SEDFA and MTN South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to supporting small business development, while Hollywood Foundation Marketing Manager, Vuyisile Ngobese, reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through sustainable enterprise development.
Speaking at the awards, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said:
“Tonight is not just another awards ceremony; it is an opportunity for us to honour the innovators, creators, dreamers and doers in our province. In Gauteng, we stand behind MSMEs because we believe small businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy. To that end, we are committed to supporting MSMEs throughout their journey.”
She added that the Bambelela Business Awards recognise entrepreneurs who are not only building successful businesses but are also driving economic growth and creating opportunities within their communities.
Supporting this commitment, GEP Marketing and Communications Manager, Aluwani Chokoe, said the organisation partnered with the initiative because of its shared vision for enterprise development.
“As the GEP is mandated to propel small businesses into the mainstream economy, partnering with the Hollywood Foundation’s Bambelela Business Awards aligns with our mission of promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting job creation and recognising businesses making a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2026 Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards winners.
Top Three Winners:
First-Prize Winner and winner of R145 000: Reliable Renders (Pty) Ltd
Second Prize Winner and winner of R115 000: Immaculata Cleaning and Hygiene Services (Pty) Ltd
Third-Prize Winner and winner of R85 000: Antograce Antograce (Pty) Ltd
Seventeen additional businesses each received R45 000 in funding:
- Fashion On Point (Pty) Ltd
- Palesa Wadi Spice (Pty) Ltd
- Bits By B (Pty) Ltd
- Well and Well (Pty) Ltd
- Maloane Food and Catering Supplies (Pty) Ltd
- Walton Pools (Pty) Ltd
- Village Water Filters SA (Pty) Ltd
- Ubuntu Kraal SA (Pty) Ltd
- Ukuhamba (Pty) Ltd
- Phonetic Group (Pty) Ltd
- Fratelli Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd
- Bellas Gelato (Pty) Ltd
- Zwelibanzi General Dealer (Pty) Ltd
- EasyZee Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Fez Simplicity (Pty) Ltd
- Seated by Jenkie (Pty) Ltd
In addition to the main awards, several entrepreneurs were recognised with spot prizes:
- Early Bird Award: Fratelli Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd (R6 250)
- Best Exhibition Stand: Zwelibanzi General Dealer (Pty) Ltd (R6 250)
- Social Media Competition: Kynd Organics (Pty) Ltd (R12 500)
Congratulating the entrepreneurs, MTN General Manager: SME & Indirect Channels Dr Nkosi Kumalo highlighted the important role small businesses play in addressing unemployment.
“As the country grapples with unemployment, the employers are in this room. Some may refer to you as informal businesses, but families go to bed having had something to eat because of you.”
MTN South Africa also awarded the Top Three winners with tablets and data packages to support the continued growth and digital transformation of their businesses.
