Johannesburg: The essence of entrepreneurship radiated prominently in Gauteng last week as the Hollywood Foundation organised the third annual Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards, honouring the province’s most motivating small business pioneers.
Spanning three vibrant days, the event united enthusiastic entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners in a compelling display of innovation, resilience, and collaboration. The programme featured hands-on workshops, insightful panel discussions, exhibitions, and impactful pitch sessions, offering small business owners a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and expand their ventures.
Now in its third consecutive year as a national initiative, the Bambelela Business Awards have transformed into a nationwide movement for change, empowering over 291 SMMEs with more than R11.7 million in funding and business support throughout South Africa since its flagship event in Mpumalanga in 2023. This initiative continues to foster job creation, transformation, and community development in every province it serves, demonstrating that small businesses are indeed the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy.
This year’s theme, “Creating Globally Competitive SMMEs through Collaborative Empowerment and Partnerships,” encapsulated the core values of the Bambelela journey. It highlighted the significance of developing small enterprises capable of competing on an international level through collective learning, mentorship, and sustainable partnerships.
Simo Vilakazi, Hollywood Foundation’s Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) stated, “In order to establish globally competitive SMMEs, it is essential to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and confidence to succeed beyond their borders. However, success is not achieved in isolation. Through collaboration and partnership, we transform potential into progress, and progress into transformation. Each year, we witness entrepreneurs confronting new challenges with bravery and innovation. Together with our partners, we take pride in contributing to a future where small businesses are pivotal in fostering inclusive economic growth.”
This year’s Gauteng winners received R1 million worth of business equipment, generously provided by the Hollywood Foundation, along with 20 Point of Sale devices for all finalists. Additionally, the top three winners were awarded telecommunication devices in the form of tablets and six months of data connectivity, graciously sponsored by Mobile Telephone Network (MTN). These contributions are designed to assist entrepreneurs in scaling their operations, fostering innovation, and broadening their reach.
Delivering the keynote address, Motlatjo Moholwa, the Head of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, stated, “To all the nominees and award recipients present tonight: congratulations. Your achievements are not mere coincidences; they are the result of hard work. You serve as a reminder that the future of our community extends beyond mining, manufacturing, and finance, encompassing the dynamic MSME sector that is forging new avenues for inclusive prosperity. May your advancement to the next level motivate others to embark on their own entrepreneurial paths.”
As the Hollywood Foundation continues to advocate for entrepreneurship throughout South Africa, the Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards serve as a significant reminder of the accomplishments that can be realized when vision, purpose, and collaboration come together to create a 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