Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The Hollywood Foundation has expanded its investment into township and rural enterprise development in Mpumalanga, increasing funding for the 2026 Bambelela Business Awards to R1.135 million.
The increased investment, which will benefit twenty MSMEs across the province, was formally announced during the Mpumalanga leg of the Bambelela Business Awards hosted in Mbombela on 29 May 2026, under the theme: “Catalysing MSME Growth, Market Access and Economic Participation.” The strategic funding boost reflects the Foundation’s growing commitment to supporting businesses that demonstrate both commercial sustainability and meaningful community impact, particularly within underserved township and rural economies. More than 100 MSMEs were selected to participate in this year’s programme following a highly competitive application process, highlighting both the increasing demand for entrepreneurial support and the depth of emerging business talent across Mpumalanga.
Applications were received from various parts of the province, including Delmas, Standerton, Barberton, KwaMhlanga, Secunda, Bushbuckridge and Emalahleni, underscoring the growing entrepreneurial activity taking place across urban and rural communities alike. Beyond the awards ceremony, the programme incorporated entrepreneurial masterclasses, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening business capability and improving access to growth opportunities. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer, Vuyisile Ngobese, said the programme continues to play an important role in enabling MSMEs to transition from survivalist operations into sustainable enterprises capable of contributing meaningfully to local economic growth and job creation. “Entrepreneurs within township and rural economies continue to face barriers relating to market access, business support, and growth opportunities.
Through the Bambelela Business Awards, we are creating platforms that recognise entrepreneurial excellence and also provide practical support that enables businesses to scale sustainably,” she concluded. Chairperserson of the Mpumalanga Economic Development Board, Ms Thando Lamola Shirinda thanked the Hollywood Foundation for their continued support for MSME’s in the province, “I commend the Hollywood Foundation for creating and sustaining a platform that not only recognises excellence, but actively invests in the dreams, aspirations and future of township and rural entrepreneurs.” She said. Ms Shirinda also encouraged the aspiring entrepreneurs to relish the opportunity, “To our young people in particular, do not underestimate the power of your ideas.
The economy of tomorrow will be built by those who are bold enough to imagine differently and brave enough to act.” The initiative comes at a time when Mpumalanga continues advancing efforts towards inclusive economic participation and sector-driven growth, with increased opportunities emerging across agriculture, tourism, trade, services, and construction. Now in its fourth year nationally, the Bambelela Business Awards have invested more than R14 million towards supporting MSMEs across South Africa, empowering over 360 businesses through funding, equipment support, and enterprise development interventions. The Hollywood Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to opportunities for township and rural entrepreneurs through programmes designed to strengthen participation within the mainstream economy.
Top 20 Winners:
First-Prize Winner and winner of R145 000: Ezimnandi Poultry Farming Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
Second Prize Winner and winner of R115 000: MPT Farming (Pty) Ltd
Third-Prize Winner and winner of R85 000: Bokamoso Training Academy and Projects (Pty) Ltd
Seventeen Runner-Ups and recipients of R45 000
- Mbuyane Central (Pty) Ltd
- Thamka Organic Mushrooms (Pty) Ltd
- Cardy and Candies General Labour and Trading (Pty) Ltd
- Mr SG Cleaners and Sneakers Wash (Pty) Ltd
- Semantungwa Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
- Optimist Agri Farming (Pty) Ltd
- Khabonina Dine (Pty) Ltd
- KAYISE IT (Pty) Ltd
- LeeConnect (Pty) Ltd
- Thuso MG Trading (Pty) Ltd
- Nic and Nic (Pty) Ltd
- Azomakhanye (Pty) Ltd
- Nkambheni Bricks Yard Trading (Pty) Ltd
- Lavalite Tech Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Gitech (Pty) Ltd
- Siyanqusa (Pty) Ltd
- Striving Mind Trading 889 (Pty) Ltd
Spot Prize Winners
Recipient of R12 500 – Facebook Marketing Competition: MPT Farming (Pty) Ltd
Recipient of R6 250 – Early Bird Pitchers Award: Fannastars Construction Society
Recipient of R6 250 – Best exhibition stand: Ezimnandi Poultry Farming Enterprise
