Story: Siyamtanda Hlobo / Photos: Supplied
KUGOMPO CITY – The Hollywood Foundation hosted the second edition of the Eastern Cape Bambela Business Awards at Hemingways in KuGompo, celebrating entrepreneurs whose businesses are making a meaningful social impact in their communities.
The awards attracted applications from entrepreneurs across the Eastern Cape, with 20 MSMEs initially selected to share in the announced funding of R1.135 million. As part of the programme, participating entrepreneurs attended a workshop where they were briefed on the criteria and requirements for compiling their business pitches.
On 19 August 2026, approximately 99 business owners took part in the pitching process, each given 90 seconds to present their businesses and demonstrate the impact of their work.
The Hollywood Foundation did not limit the Bambela Awards to a specific sector. Instead, emphasis was placed on the social impact created by each business and the difference entrepreneurs are making in their communities.
The finale of the programme was the gala dinner and awards ceremony held at Hemingways, where the winning businesses were announced.
The Top 17 businesses each received R45,000, while the three top prizes were awarded as follows: R85,000 for third place, R115,000 for second place and R145,000 for the overall winner.
The evening also featured two surprise awards. These recognised the early-bird entrant and the entrepreneur with the most creatively designed exhibition stand.
