Township and rural businesses in Mpumalanga received a major boost after the Hollywood Foundation increased its investment in the 2026 Bambelela Business Awards to R1.135 million.

The funding, announced during the Mpumalanga leg of the awards in Mbombela on Thursday, will benefit 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the province.

Held under the theme “Catalysing MSME Growth, Market Access and Economic Participation,” the programme aims to support businesses with strong growth potential while creating opportunities in underserved township and rural communities.

More than 100 MSMEs were selected to participate in this year’s programme following a highly competitive application process. Applications came from various parts of the province, including Delmas, Standerton, Barberton, KwaMhlanga, Secunda, Bushbuckridge and Emalahleni.

The event featured entrepreneurial masterclasses, exhibitions, networking sessions and stakeholder engagements designed to strengthen business skills and improve access to markets.

Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer Vuyisile Ngobese said the initiative continues to help entrepreneurs move beyond survivalist operations and build sustainable businesses capable of contributing to 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,” said Ngobese.

Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Economic Development Board, Thando Lamola Shirinda, praised the Hollywood Foundation for its continued investment in local entrepreneurs.

“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.

Shirinda also encouraged aspiring business owners to make the most of available opportunities.

“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,” she added.

The initiative comes as Mpumalanga continues promoting inclusive economic participation, with growing opportunities in agriculture, tourism, trade, services and construction.

Now in its fourth year nationally, the Bambelela Business Awards have invested more than R14 million in MSMEs across South Africa, supporting over 360 businesses through funding, equipment support and enterprise development programmes.

Top Winners

Ezimnandi Poultry Farming Enterprise (Pty) Ltd walked away with the first prize of R145 000.

MPT Farming (Pty) Ltd secured second place and received R115 000, while Bokamoso Training Academy and Projects (Pty) Ltd took third place and won R85 000.

Seventeen runner-up businesses each received R45 000 to support their growth and development.

MPT Farming also won the Facebook Marketing Competition and received an additional R12 500. Fannastars Construction Society won the Early Bird Pitchers Award worth R6 250, while Ezimnandi Poultry Farming Enterprise received R6 250 for the Best Exhibition Stand.