MBOMBELA — Emerging businesses from across Mpumalanga walked away with a share of more than R1.1 million in prize money during the Bambelela Business Awards pitching session hosted by the Hollywood Foundation at Mbombela Stadium on Friday, 29 May.
A total of 76 businesses from various sectors took to the stage on Thursday, 28 May, pitching their business ideas to judges in just 90 seconds. Some entrepreneurs went beyond presentations, showcasing live demonstrations of their products and services in a bid to impress the judges.
Now in its fourth year in Mpumalanga and with 16 instalments hosted nationally, the Bambelela Business Awards continue to recognise and support emerging entrepreneurs. Farming enterprises emerged as the biggest winners on the night.
Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle, Hollywood Foundation Portfolio Manager for Business Impact, Simo Vilakazi, said the awards are about recognising excellence while encouraging entrepreneurs to continue pursuing their dreams.
“The Bambelela Business Awards are about recognising excellence and providing encouragement to entrepreneurs across the country. In Mpumalanga, we have seen great enthusiasm from businesses that displayed tremendous effort when pitching their ideas,” said Vilakazi.
He congratulated the winners and encouraged those who did not make the top 20 to remain committed to their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Congratulations to all the winners. You now form part of the more than 300 small businesses supported through this programme. To those who did not make the top 20, we want to say ‘Bambelela’ – hold on, your dreams are valid and one day it will all work out,” he said.
Vilakazi also thanked key stakeholders, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), SANParks and the City of Mbombela for contributing to the success of the initiative.
A total of 20 businesses received awards. Seventeen businesses each received R45 000, while the top two winners secured prizes exceeding R100 000. Third place received R85 000, second place R115 000 and first place R145 000.
Additional prizes were awarded in special categories, including Best Exhibition Stand, Social Media Competition and the Early Bird Award. The Early Bird Award went to Fannastars Construction Society, whose owner arrived at Mbombela Stadium at 2am, setting a national record and earning a cash prize of R6 250.
Ahead of the pitching session, entrepreneurs participated in coaching and mentorship workshops designed to help them prepare for the competition. The sessions focused on what judges look for and how entrepreneurs can best market and position their businesses.
The overall winner was Khanyisile Matshiga, founder of Ezimnandi Poultry Farming Enterprise in eMalahleni, who was participating in the competition for the second time.
“I am very excited that we made it to number one. I would like to thank the Bambelela Business Awards for this opportunity. It will really help improve my business,” said Matshiga.
Matshiga walked away with a total investment of more than R150 000 after winning first prize worth R145 000 and the Best Exhibition Stand Award worth R6 250.
Second place went to another farming business, MPT Farming from Ermelo, owned by Zinhle Skhosana, who also entered the competition for a second time.
“There is life in farming. It is not only for older people or uneducated people,” said Skhosana, encouraging more young people to enter the agricultural sector.
Skhosana received a total of R127 500, including R115 000 for second place and R12 500 for winning the Social Media Branding Award.
National resident judge Dr Thabo Pitse shared words of encouragement with business owners.
“Business is about people, processes and profit. Every business must strive to make a profit while understanding that success starts with people — yourself, your employees and your customers. A win with people is a win in business,” he said.
SANParks, which is commemorating 100 years since its establishment in 1926, was among the event's stakeholders.
Dr Paul Mpye, Senior Manager for Enterprise and Supplier Development at SANParks, said supporting small businesses remains critical in addressing unemployment.
“We are passionate about developing SMMEs because we know they are a vehicle that can help curb unemployment in our country,” he said.
Hosted by the Hollywood Foundation, the Bambelela Business Awards celebrate and invest in small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and township entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, driving innovation and uplifting local communities.