Media Release

Third Annual Township Economy Awards Open for Entries, Calling on Township Entrepreneurs to Step Forward

South Africa’s township entrepreneurs are invited to step forward as TEA opens its 2026 national awards programme

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Entries have officially opened for the third annual Township Economy Awards, a national platform recognising the entrepreneurs and leaders building sustainable enterprises, creating jobs and moving the township economy forward.

The 2026 Awards will take place on Saturday, 21 November 2026 in the City of Ekurhuleni, Tembisa, Gauteng. The awards will close the two-day business conference and exhibition, following the eighth annual Township Economy Summit on Thursday, 19 November and Friday, 20 November 2026.

This year introduces the Township Brand of the Year, a new discretionary honour that will recognise a brand whose relevance, trust, reach and impact have made it part of the fabric of township life. The recipient will be selected through deliberation by the Awards judging panel.

“Township businesses are not waiting to be included. They are creating products, jobs, supply chains and solutions every day. The Township Economy Awards exist to put that excellence on a national stage and to connect it with the markets, capital and partnerships required for scale.”
Bulelani Balabala, Founder of TEA

A national platform built on proven Impact

The second annual Township Economy Awards received more than 3,000 entries from across South Africa. From those entries, 45 national finalists were selected across 14 business categories and 19 winners were honoured, including the special honours. The ceremony welcomed 648 corporate and government guests, and distributed R150,000 in prize money to award recipients.

The 2025 campaign generated a reported R16 million in public relations, digital and media value while 53 Black suppliers were supported through the delivery of the Awards. These results reflect a platform that goes beyond recognition by creating visibility, commercial connections and a stronger pipeline of township enterprises for corporate and government partners.

Fourteen business categories open for entry

Eligible township-based businesses may enter the category that best reflects their main business activity:

Retail Excellence Award	Professional Services Award
Food and Beverage Innovator of the Year	Technology and Innovation Award
Construction and Infrastructure Award	Green Economy Award
Service Excellence Award	Transport and Logistics Award
Creative, Arts and Culture Award	Social and Community Impact Award
Health and Wellness Award	Entrepreneur with Disability Award
Manufacturing Excellence Award	Agricultural Excellence Award

Special honours recognising enterprise, influence and legacy

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
Female Entrepreneur of the Year
Male Entrepreneur of the Year
Township Brand of the Year, a new discretionary award selected through judges’ deliberation
Township Economy Champion Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2025 winners showed what township excellence looks like

Last year’s leading recipients reflected the range, depth and commercial promise of South Africa’s township economy:

Rhulani Chauke from Conza’s Biscuits in Soweto – Female Entrepreneur of the Year

The Soweto biscuit business grew from a home kitchen enterprise founded by Constance Chauke and is now managed by the next generation of the family. Rhulani Chauke received the 2025 Female Entrepreneur of the Year honour after Conza’s Biscuits won the Food and Beverage Innovator category.

Thabiso Hlongwane from Greener Pastures Recycling Company – Male Entrepreneur of the Year

An environmental engineer turned circular economy entrepreneur, Hlongwane has built a business delivering waste collection, sorting, recycling and related environmental services. He was named 2025 Male Entrepreneur of the Year after winning the Green Economy Award.

Zethu Nyali from Zee Organics Haircare – Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

Founded in Umlazi in 2021, Zee Organics develops haircare and skincare products for conditions including alopecia, dermatitis, eczema and acne. Nyali won the Health and Wellness Award and was named 2025 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope – Lifetime Achievement Award

The entrepreneur, broadcaster and long-standing supporter of township enterprise received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to youth development, entrepreneurship and community upliftment. Through the Sbusiso Leope Education Foundation, he has supported millions of young township learners, helping to create pathways to education, skills development and formal employment. Many of these young people have gone on to build successful careers and improve their lives. He has also remained a consistent and powerful voice for Kasi culture, the spirit of hustle and entrepreneurship, encouraging young people to believe in their potential and create opportunities within their communities.

A wider three-day platform for entrepreneurs and partners

The Awards form part of the Township Economy Summit, hosted by TEA during Global Entrepreneurship Month. The 2026 Summit is expected to bring together more than 2,500 township entrepreneurs, over 150 exhibitors, government leaders, corporate decision-makers, investors and enterprise development organisations.

Under the theme “An Inclusive Economic Future: The Digital Edition”, the Summit will focus on Kasi technology and digital transformation, manufacturing eKasi, mobility and logistics eKasi and retail and wholesale eKasi. Summit attendance is free subject to registration and capacity. The Awards ceremony is a separate ticketed engagement.

How to enter

Entries opened	6 September 2026
Entries close	Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Apply and view criteria	www.TownshipEconomyAwards.co.za

About TEA

For the past decade, TEA has played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s township entrepreneurship landscape, consistently delivering tangible impact. To date, over 100 000 entrepreneurs have benefited from their training and support programme while more than 500+ township-based businesses have received funding and growth assistance. Through a combination of workshops, skills development, research, and financial support, TEA continues to uplift entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by mainstream platforms yet are building thriving businesses within their own communities.

Media enquiries and interview requests

Jacqueline Mphela | INFO@JoinUsForTEA.co.za | 068 158 9484

PR & Media | media@JoinUsForTEA.co.za | 079 686 6125

Website: www.TownshipEconomyAwards.co.za | TEA platforms: https://linktr.ee/joinusfortea

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