The Hollywood Foundation, renowned for its commitment to Enterprise and Supplier Development, proudly hosted the third edition of the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo on January 18, 2024. This distinguished event served as a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the communities of Limpopo.
Themed “Bambelela (Hold On) – Your Dreams Are Valid,” the awards ceremony was a spectacular gathering of diverse stakeholders, government officials, public figures, and aspiring young entrepreneurs. The festivities kicked off with a Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMME) exhibition and seminar on January 17, 2024, where over 80 selected businesses showcased their work and pitched for funding to a panel of judges and industry experts.
The seminar featured insightful talks on upscaling businesses, accessing markets and funding, and managing financial resources. The highlight of the day was a keynote address on ‘Branding for Business’ by esteemed businesswoman Ms Ria Ledwaba, who shared invaluable information about her entrepreneurial journey, empowering local SMMEs.
The exhibition and seminar paved the way for an evening of glamour at the awards ceremony, held at the Fusion Boutique Hotel, where winners were officially announced after a rigorous judging process. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Honourable Rodgers Monama, members of the business fraternity and representatives from the Limpopo Gambling Board, among other stakeholders.
In a compelling keynote address, MEC Rodgers Monama expressed gratitude, saying, “We appreciate and feel honoured by the decision of the Hollywood Foundation in choosing our province to host this year’s edition of the awards. Your decision confirms and affirms our commitment to the development and growth of the economy, which in turn makes a huge and positive contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
The pinnacle of the evening was the announcement of the 20 candidates selected to receive a share of R750,000 in funding from the Hollywood Foundation. Seventeen recipients were awarded R30,000 each, while the top three winners received substantial prizes – R100,000 for the first prize, R70,000 for the second prize, and R50,000 for the third prize. This exemplifies the Hollywood Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs in Limpopo.
The celebration reached its peak with a captivating performance by Limpopo-born, now international artist, Makhadzi, leaving the audience in awe.
Group Transformation Manager, Ms Babongile Mkhize, emphasized the Hollywood Foundation’s dedication to supporting local SMMEs, stating, “We at Hollywood Foundation understand the pivotal role small businesses play in helping communi
Here is a list of the Top 20 for the Bambelela Business Awards
- Grand Prize Winner: Moneo Wood Crafts – R100 000
- First- Runner Up: TM Foods – R70 000
- Second-Runner Up: Atok Aluminium– R50 000
The 17 winners of the R30 000 Contribution
- Ngoakwana
- Mart Med Occupational Health Services
- Bria Group
- Destress and Relax Mobile Massage
- Fix Her Crown Projects
- Florance by Latteria Delish
- Gentishe Menstrual Cup (PTY) LTD
- Mahlatse Ke Dikabelo
- Kgalishibe (PTY) LTD
- Mishies Company
- Vhutambo Edu-Play
- Something Awesome
- Monique Elegance Apparel
- Motupa PJ Enterprise
- Mpakeng Services (PTY) LTD
- Andries Graphic Designs and PC