In a bold move to champion local entrepreneurship, the Hollywood Foundation is turning the spotlight on the Eastern Cape with the launch of the Bambelela Business Awards, an inspiring R1 million commitment to small business empowerment.
Aptly named “Bambelela”, which means “hold on” in isiZulu, the initiative is more than just an award, it’s a lifeline for small businesses navigating a challenging economic landscape. The programme rewards resilience, innovation, and community impact by offering game-changing support in the form of equipment and essential business resources.
The Eastern Cape, long known for its enterprising spirit and untapped economic potential, is now at the heart of this empowering initiative.
With an investment of over R9.7 million and support extended to more than 200 SMMEs nationwide, the Bambelela Business Awards, launched in 2023 as a legacy initiative, form a key part of the Hollywood Foundation’s impactful MyBusiness pillar. This Enterprise Development strategy is designed to empower entrepreneurs across South Africa to grow their businesses, create employment opportunities, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
“We recognise that SMMEs are the backbone of our communities,” says Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Group. “This R1 million investment reflects our commitment to helping local businesses not only survive, but thrive. Bambelela is about belief in the dreamers, the doers, and the determined.”
Whether you’re a township tailor, a digital innovator, a mechanic, or a mobile food vendor, this is your moment. The Foundation is calling on entrepreneurs from all corners of the province to seize this opportunity and step into the spotlight.
Application Details:
Entries for the Bambelela Business Awards are officially open from 25 July to 25 August 2025. Qualifying companies are urged to submit their entries online by visiting the Hollywood Foundation’s website at https://hollywoodfoundation.co.za before the submission deadline on 25 August 2025 at 23:59.
Qualification Requirements:
- Must be at least 100% black-owned business.
- Local business – registered and operating in Eastern Cape.
- Formal and/or informal registered local business.
- Business must be in operation for at least 12 months and have a proven track record of trading.
- Business profile or clear description of the nature of the company/business.
These awards are a testament to our commitment to commend those who have demonstrated exceptional originality and unwavering dedication in their entrepreneurial endeavours.