MPUMALANGA – Women emerged as the top recipients of an increased R1 million funding allocation by the Hollywood Foundation.
Shoki Nengovhela of Tembo Engineering, Sinethemba Ndlangamandla of Maphazima Funerals, and Ntombifuthi Mngomezulu of Sitjhetjheni received R130,000, R100,000, and R70,000 respectively. This announcement was made at the gala dinner of the Bambelela Business Awards held at The Ridge Hotel on Tuesday evening, April 30, 2024.
These women were among the top three of the top 20 winners who received a portion of the allocated funds to bolster their business operations.
“This recognition is dedicated to all the women excelling in engineering, women who confidently wear their lipsticks as they make a mark,” said Nengovhela from Middelburg. She also pledged to sponsor any female student seeking to pursue engineering studies in 2025. “We need more women in our industry, more women in the boardroom to assert our presence.”
Ndlangamandla, from Piet Retief, expressed her intention to utilize the funds to purchase equipment for her business. “We often outsource tables, chairs, and tents, crucial for our business as it expands along with our staff,” she explained.
Mngomezulu, a broiler chicken breeder from Moloto in Thembisile Hani, shared plans to use the funds to construct a second chicken coop. “With five women managing the business, we were already planning to expand our facilities to meet the growing demand for chickens,” she elaborated.
These entrepreneurs left a lasting impression when they presented their businesses before a panel of judges on April 29, 2024 at the Emalahleni Municipality Civic Hall.
From the 108 businesses that participated in the Exhibition and Pitch for Funding Programme, 17 runner-up businesses also received R40,000 each.
The awards celebrate the resilience, innovation, and achievements of Mpumalanga’s entrepreneurial community, marking a significant milestone in the journey to empower local businesses.
This year’s prize money saw an increase of R30,000 for the top two winners and R 20 000 for third place compared to last year, while the 17 runner-up businesses received an additional R10,000 each.
Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at Hollywood Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level. “We are thrilled to witness the resounding success of the Bambelela Business Awards,” she remarked. “The enthusiasm and talent displayed by our local entrepreneurs are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support their endeavours.”
Nkosinathi Ntuli, Business Manager of SABC’s Ligwalagwala and Kwekwezi FM, expressed gratitude for the investment made by the Hollywood Foundation. “Part of the public broadcaster’s mandate is to instil hope through our on-air programming,” he said. “We are truly grateful for the investment that you have made.”
