The Hollywood Foundation proudly hosted the 10th edition of the Bambelela Business Awards 2025, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to uplift small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across South Africa. Returning to Mpumalanga province for the third time since the initiative was championed here in 2023, this year’s two-day celebration built on the growing legacy of the programme, which has now made its mark in five provinces to date, with plans to expand to more regions in the future.
Following the success of the 2024 edition, the 2025 awards saw an impressive turnout, with a notable surge in applications, reflecting the Foundation’s deepening impact on economic empowerment and community development through SMME support.
The Mpumalanga Bambelela Business Awards kicked off with an exhibition and seminar on 27 May, followed by a prestigious Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 28 May. The event was a resounding success, with a focus on celebrating innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence.
This year’s theme, “Building a Sustainable Economy through Agriculture, the Green Economy, and Tourism”, speaks directly to the heart of what entrepreneurship in the province must become, a force that drives both economic empowerment and environmental stewardship. With an investment of R1 million, the Hollywood Foundation provided financial support while also creating a platform for networking, collaboration, and mentorship, highlighting its long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of SMMEs in the province.
Ms. Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager for Hollywoodbets, expressed her thoughts on the event’s success: “We are proud to support the Bambelela Business Awards and the incredible work being done to uplift SMMEs across the country. Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the powerful impact such partnerships can have in driving meaningful economic growth and transformation.”
The awards brought together a distinguished group of thought leaders, business experts, and government representatives. As in previous years, the event honoured SMMEs that have demonstrated remarkable growth, leadership, and a commitment to social responsibility within their sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, MEC for Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Makhosazane Masilela, remarked, “The R1 million investment into the Top 20 finalists of this year’s Bambelela Business Awards is a strong vote of confidence in the talent and potential of our entrepreneurs. We sincerely appreciate initiatives of this nature and hope this will not be the last, as such efforts are vital to nurturing and sustaining the entrepreneurial spirit in our province.”
The 2025 Bambelela Business Awards in Mpumalanga honoured the remarkable accomplishments of local entrepreneurs, while also serving as a springboard for ongoing growth and collaboration. Through consistent investment in small businesses, the Hollywood Foundation continues to play a vital role in advancing socio-economic transformation, especially in communities where empowering local entrepreneurs can create lasting, impactful change.
Here’s a list of the Top 20 Winners:
- First-Prize Winner and winner of R130 000: Channel 2 fitness
- Second Prize Winner and winner of R100 000: Charged Up (PTY) LTD
- Third-Prize Winner and winner of R70 000: Sphiwisizwe (Pty) Ltd
Seventeen Runner-Ups and recipients of R40 00
- Makgatholela (PTY)LTD
- Star School Matric Rewrite and Tutoring Centre
- Impepho Essentials Pty (Ltd)
- Mohlala Holding (Pty) Ltd
- Lisima Farming Project
- Seltork Mining Solutions PTY LTD
- Womech PTY LTD
- Mbongakwande pty ltd
- Publish’d Afrika
- SmartD App (PTY) LTD
- Lily Soft Tissue
- Mabhena Events and Hire (PTY) LTD
- NathiCreative Projects
- Ndimande Perfect Water
- Mzsingitana Tented Camp (PTY) LTD
- Temple Bliss (PTY) LTD
- The Seam Stop Fashion (Pty) Ltd
Spot Prize Winners
- Recipient of R10 000: Facebook Marketing Competition: Inkaba Farming Project
- Recipient of R5 000: Early Bird Pitchers Award: Lifestyle Pinnacle
- Recipient of R5 000: Best presented exhibition stand: Phiwokuhle Media
