By 
JOHANNESBURG — In a major push to accelerate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from informal operations into mainstream economic players, 20 high-potential township businesses have been awarded over R1 million in funding at the 2026 Gauteng Bambelela Business Awards.
Driven by the Hollywood Foundation, the initiative took place under the theme “Unlocking Township Economies – From Survival to Scale.” The three-day event featured business development workshops, industry seminars, and high-impact pitch sessions designed to help local small businesses expand, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen community economies.
The summit culminated in a Gala Dinner at Emperors Palace, where public and private sector leaders gathered to underline the strategic importance of small enterprise growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every step of their journey.
“In Gauteng, we stand behind MSMEs because we believe small businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy,” Ramokgopa stated, adding that the awards honour leaders who drive economic growth directly within their communities.
Echoing this sentiment, Aluwani Chokoe, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), highlighted that partnering with the initiative directly supports their mandate to bring small enterprises into the mainstream economy and encourage inclusive growth.
Top Winners and Funding Distribution
The awards ceremony recognized a diverse range of township businesses across sectors including manufacturing, services, hospitality, and retail:
- First Prize (R145,000): Reliable Renders (Pty) Ltd
- Second Prize (R115,000): Immaculata Cleaning and Hygiene Services (Pty) Ltd
- Third Prize (R85,000): Antograce (Pty) Ltd
A further 17 enterprises were awarded R45,000 each in funding to scale their operations:
- Fashion On Point (Pty) Ltd
- Palesa Wadi Spice (Pty) Ltd
- Bits By B (Pty) Ltd
- Well and Well (Pty) Ltd
- Maloane Food and Catering Supplies (Pty) Ltd
- Walton Pools (Pty) Ltd
- Village Water Filters SA (Pty) Ltd
- Ubuntu Kraal SA (Pty) Ltd
- Ukuhamba (Pty) Ltd
- Phonetic Group (Pty) Ltd
- Fratelli Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd
- Bellas Gelato (Pty) Ltd
- Zwelibanzi General Dealer (Pty) Ltd
- EasyZee Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Fez Simplicity (Pty) Ltd
- Seated by Jenkie (Pty) Ltd
Additional spot prizes for exhibition impact and digital presence were awarded to Fratelli Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd (R6,250 Early Bird Award), Zwelibanzi General Dealer (Pty) Ltd (R6,250 Best Exhibition Stand), and Kynd Organics (Pty) Ltd (R12,500 Social Media Competition).
Driving Digital Transformation and Employment
Addressing the room, Dr. Nkosi Kumalo, General Manager for SME & Indirect Channels at MTN South Africa, emphasized the crucial role township businesses play in national economic stability and job creation.
“As the country grapples with unemployment, the employers are in this room,” Kumalo noted. “Some may refer to you as informal businesses, but families go to bed having had something to eat because of you.”
To assist in modernizing their business processes, MTN South Africa presented the top three winners with tablets and data packages aimed at driving digital transformation.
With commitments reaffirmed by key stakeholders—including GEP, SEDFA, MTN South Africa, and the Hollywood Foundation—the Bambelela Business Awards continue to position township entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic growth strategy.
