Female Farmers Dominate Limpopo Bambelela Business Awards

Women in agriculture took centre stage at the Limpopo leg of the prestigious Bambelela Business Awards, with female-led agribusinesses emerging as the biggest winners at the three-day event hosted by the Hollywood Foundation.

Held under the powerful theme “Bambelela (Hold On) – Your Dreams Are Valid,” the awards celebrated resilience, innovation, and impact among small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across the province. Notably, women farmers showcased how agriculture remains a critical driver of food security, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods in rural and peri-urban South Africa.

Winners

Serage Holdings

The grand prize of R130,000 was awarded to Serage Holdings, an emerging agricultural establishment based in Lonsdale, Moletjie, within the Polokwane Municipality. Founded by Wendy Moshakga, Serage Holdings focuses on sustainable farming practices and food production, positioning itself as a growing contributor to local food systems and economic development.

Wozilex

Second place went to Wozilex, an agri-business founded by Mahlatse, who took home R100,000. What began as a personal farming hobby evolved into a fully-fledged commercial operation. Established in 2017, Wozilex produces and supplies pre-packaged vegetables in relatively large quantities to wholesalers, demonstrating how passion-driven farming can scale into a viable agribusiness.

Mosibudi Trading Enterprise

The third-place prize of R70,000 was awarded to Mosibudi Trading Enterprise, founded by Cynthia Mokgobufrom Bochum. Cynthia began her farming journey in 2016 after leaving a horticulture internship, starting with backyard farming before expanding into full farm operations. Her story reflects the grit and determination behind many successful small-scale farmers in South Africa.

Among the winners, 17 businesses each received R40,000, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to spreading opportunity across a broad base of entrepreneurs.

The Bambelela Business Awards celebrate more than financial success. They recognise businesses that are transforming communities, creating employment, and contributing meaningfully to local economies. Agriculture, in particular, stood out as a sector where women entrepreneurs are redefining leadership and innovation.

Launched in 2023 in Mpumalanga, the awards have since expanded to Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Over the past two years, the initiative has supported 140 SMMEs, distributing more than R5.7 millionin funding.

This year marked the second consecutive return to Limpopo, with the prize pool increasing from R750,000 in 2024 to R1 million, underscoring the Hollywood Foundation’s growing commitment to empowering local enterprises.

As the agricultural sector faces rising input costs, climate challenges, and market access barriers, the success of women-led farms at the Limpopo Bambelela Business Awards sends a powerful message: holding on to the dream can yield tangible rewards.

By combining funding, mentorship, exposure, and recognition, the Bambelela Business Awards continue to nurture entrepreneurs who are not only building businesses—but also shaping the future of South African agriculture.