'Plain business shines at awards ceremony

Mitchell’s Plain business What the Fudge was among the top 20 businesses recognised at the Western Cape Bambelela Business Awards 2025 held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse earlier this month.

The awards, held over two days on June 19 and 20, are hosted annually by the Hollywood Foundation to honour local entrepreneurs’ contributions to job creation, economic growth, and transforming communities in the province. 

This year’s awards programme included an exhibition and seminar where qualifying small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) showcased their businesses and pitched for funding.

Laura Spannenberg, founder of What the Fudge, said the exhibition and seminar presented an opportunity to take her business to the next level.

“We had a riveting masterclass on how to pitch by serial entrepreneur and business specialist Dr Thabo Pitse. We hung onto his every word as he shared strategies to secure funding.

“The day of pitching was slightly different. You could feel the tension in the room as all the participants nervously sat in a huge auditorium at the Cape Town Civic Centre waiting for our turn to pitch.

“I listened to everyone, and all I can say is, Cape Town is filled with talent,” she said.

A panel of judges, comprising industry specialists, evaluated each participant and selected the winning businesses that demonstrated exceptional merit, creativity and community impact.

The top 20 winners each won a share of R1 million in funding. As one of 17 runners-up at this year’s awards, What the Fudge won R40 000 for equipment.

The theme of the annual awards initiative is  “Bambelela (hold on) – your dreams are valid”. Ms Spannenberg said being among the top 20 winners validates her aspirations as an entrepreneur.

“For us, winning meant that our dreams are valid, that people recognise our efforts. We want to inspire people in Mitchell's Plain to pursue their dreams without giving up.

“We are very grateful to the Hollywood Foundation for affording us this huge opportunity,” she said.

Babongile Mkhize, group transformation manager for the Hollywood Group, said the group's goal is to ignite innovation and unlock opportunity through its enterprise and social development programmes.

“We believe in the power of SMMEs to shape local economies, and this year’s focus on digital transformation reflects our commitment to future-proofing these enterprises,” she said.

Advocate Deidre Baartman, provincial MEC for finance, economic opportunities, and tourism, said the awards hold significant value. She encouraged SMMEs to register for opportunities to do business with the provincial government.