Johannesburg: The spirit of entrepreneurship shone brightly in Gauteng this week as the Hollywood Foundation hosted the third annual Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards, celebrating the province’s most inspiring small business trailblazers.
Over three dynamic days, the event brought together passionate entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners in a powerful showcase of innovation, resilience, and collaboration. From hands-on workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions to exhibitions and high-impact pitch sessions, the programme provided a platform for small business owners to learn, connect, and grow.
Now in its third year running as a national project, the Bambelela Business Awards have evolved into a national movement for change, empowering over 291 SMMEs with more than R11.7 million in funding and business support across South Africa since its 2023 flagship event in Mpumalanga. The initiative continues to drive job creation, transformation, and community development in every province it reaches, proving that small businesses truly are the heartbeat of South Africa’s economy.
This year’s theme, “Creating Globally Competitive SMMEs through Collaborative Empowerment and Partnerships,” captured the essence of what the Bambelela journey stands for. It underscored the importance of building small businesses that can compete on a global stage through shared learning, mentorship, and sustainable partnerships.
Hollywood Foundation ESD Assistant Manager said, “To create globally competitive SMMEs, we must equip entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to thrive beyond borders. But no one succeeds alone. Through collaboration and partnership, we turn potential into progress, and progress into transformation. Each year, we see entrepreneurs rise to meet new challenges with courage and creativity. Together with our partners, we are proud to play a part in shaping a future where small businesses drive inclusive economic growth,”
This year’s Gauteng winners shared R1 million worth of business equipment, courtesy of the Hollywood Foundation, along with 20 Point of Sale devices for all finalists, and in addition, telecommunication devices in the form of tablets and six months of data connectivity for the top three winners, proudly sponsored by MTN. These contributions aim to help entrepreneurs scale their operations, drive innovation, and expand their reach.
Delivering the keynote address, Head of Department for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development: Mr. Motlatjo Moholwa, shared, “To all tonight’s nominees and award recipients: congratulations. Your success is not accidental, it is earned. You remind us that the future of our community is not only in mining, manufacturing, or finance, but also in the vibrant MSME sector that is creating new pathways for inclusive prosperity. May your growth to the next level inspire others to begin their own entrepreneurial journeys.”
As the Hollywood Foundation continues to champion entrepreneurship across South Africa, the Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards stand as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when vision, purpose, and partnership unite to create lasting impact.
Here’s a list of the Top 20 Winners:
First-Prize Winner and winner of R130 000: Lucas Modise Enterprises (Pty) Ltd
Second Prize Winner and winner of R100 000: Makhoba Professional Services (Pty) Ltd
Third-Prize Winner and winner of R70 000: African Indigenous Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
Seventeen Runner-Ups and recipients of R40 000:
– HyHarvest Pty Ltd (Pty) Ltd
– Portable Showers (Pty) Ltd
– SA Moqhaka Foods (Pty) Ltd
– Ambesha Africa (Pty) Ltd
– Lifeway Imphatho Brands (Pty) Ltd
– MetMok (Pty) Ltd
– SPF Fashion Trendz (Pty) Ltd
– Organic Compact (Pty) Ltd
– Walk Fresh (Pty) Ltd
– Mogalemone (Pty) Ltd
– Fuxion Shopper (Pty) Ltd
– Octies Business Solution (Pty) Ltd
– The Yende and Partners (Pty) Ltd
– The Light Candles (Pty) Ltd
– Mazondo Gas (Pty) Ltd
– Gugulam Poultry House (Pty) Ltd
– Okuhle by Bonolo (Pty) Ltd
Spot Prize Winners
Recipient of R10 000 – Facebook Marketing Competition: Zano Clothing (Pty) Ltd
Recipient of R5 000 – Early Bird Award: 2019/561795/07 t/a iTradeAfrika
Recipient of R5 000 – Best presented exhibition stand: Organic Compact (Pty) Ltd
