The Hollywood Foundation, through its Enterprise and Supplier Development, proudly hosted the second edition of the Bambelela Business Awards in Gauteng on 21 November. This prestigious event brought together a dynamic array of stakeholders, government officials, public figures, and ambitious young entrepreneurs.
Themed “Bambelela (Hold On) – Your Dreams Are Valid,” the awards recognised local heroes impacting Gauteng’s communities. The festivities commenced with an SMME exhibition and seminar on 20 November facilitated by Nolwazi Shange – SAFTA award-winning actress, Casting Director and Digital Marketer. The seminar featured engaging talks on upscaling businesses, accessing markets and funding, and managing financial resources.
The day’s highlight was a keynote address on ‘creating a bankable business plan’ by Venture Capitalist Lebo Gunguluza, followed by a dynamic Pitching for Funding session facilitated by the renowned DJ Sbu.
Local businesses seized the opportunity to showcase their work and present business ideas to the esteemed panel of judges, including NYDA Regional Manager, Rebone Majola, Lebo Gunguluza and Dr. Thabo Pitse among others. Judging criteria included team strength, sector relevance, experience, revenue generation, and community impact.
The evening of 21 November culminated in a grand gala dinner at the Indaba Hotel, Spar and Conference Centre featuring entertainment by Langa Mavuso, Kay Sibiya and master of ceremony, Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador and sportscaster Carol Tshabalala.
The highlight was the announcement of 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, exemplifying the Hollywood Foundation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs in Gauteng.
Group Transformation Manager, Ms Babongile Mkhize said, “The comprehensive approach we take to empower SMMEs is aligned with the Purple Brands mission, emphasising the need for holistic support. We believe that by providing adequate resources and information, we can contribute to the sustained success of these businesses. Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of the Bambelela Awards participants, let us remember that their success is a testament to the potential within our local business community.”
CEO of Gauteng Tourism Authority, Ms Sthembiso Dlamini added that, “These impactful awards are changing the negative perceptions about township-based businesses, and serve as a platform to encourage and inspire township entrepreneurs to realise the conceivable economic gains for communities within which they operate in.”
Here is a list of the Top 20 for the Bambelela Business Awards
- Grand Prize Winner: MiDesk Global (Pty) Ltd – R100 000
- First- Runner Up: Gebas Wheelchairs Repair & Manufacturing – R70 000
- Second-Runner Up: LXIONFUTUREFM – R50 000
The 17 winners of the R30 000 Contribution
- Appto (Pty) Ltd
- Rams Professional Training and Conferencing (Angela Care)
- Tlotlokgolo Business Investments Pty Ltd
- Ukuhamba (Pty) Ltd
- Borotho Bakery Enterprise Pty Ltd
- Moko Originals
- Melinthea Herbal Living Wellness Products
- Precious and Pearl Brands Pty ltd
- RBKM Pty Ltd
- La Reine Lifestyle
- AeroBuddies
- Zibangwenya Supplies
- Mathibe
- Sanath Trading
- ABUTI APPAREL (PTY) LTD
- Adelia Creations Enterprise
- Manare Publishers Pty Ltd
