Gauteng: The Hollywood Foundation is once again shining the spotlight on local entrepreneurship with the return of the Bambelela Business Awards to Gauteng, now in its third year running in the province. This inspiring R1 million commitment continues to champion small business empowerment by recognising resilience, innovation, and community impact.
Bambelela, which means “hold on” in isiZulu, has grown into a powerful platform for small businesses navigating South Africa’s challenging economic landscape. The programme provides game-changing support in the form of equipment and essential business resources, enabling entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities.
Since launching in 2023, the Bambelela Business Awards have cemented themselves as a legacy initiative under the Hollywood Foundation’s MyBusiness pillar. To date, the programme has invested over R10.7 million, reaching more than 268 SMMEs nationwide. With each year, the impact deepens — and Gauteng entrepreneurs are once again called to step forward and seize this opportunity.
“Every year, we are inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation from Gauteng’s entrepreneurs,” says Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Group. “The return of Bambelela to this province reaffirms our belief that small businesses are vital to the economy and carry the spirit of our communities. This R1 million investment is a commitment to ensuring that their dreams continue to thrive.”
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 Gauteng to step into the spotlight.
Application Details:
Entries for the Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards are officially open from 4 September to 4 October 2025. Qualifying SMMEs are urged to submit their entries online by visiting the Hollywood Foundation’s website at https://hollywoodfoundation.co.za before the submission deadline on 4 October 2025 at 23:59.
Qualification Requirements:
· Must be at least 100% black-owned business.
· Local business – registered and operating in Gauteng.
· 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.
For further information regarding the Bambelela Business Awards, including submission guidelines and rules, please refer to our website. These awards are a testament to our commitment to commend those who have demonstrated exceptional originality and unwavering dedication in their entrepreneurial endeavours.