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A Night That Celebrated Excellence

Overview

An introduction to the "2025 inaugural Township" awards.

The 2025 Township Economy Awards was a landmark year for township enterprise. Held on 21st November at Hospital View Park,Tembisa, City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, the evening brought together business legends, emerging founders, and corporate leaders to celebrate those building the future of our economy.

Impact Insight

3000+
Entries
45
National finalist across the 14 categories
19
Winners honoured, including the special honour
14k
Live stream viewers
648
Corporate government and VIP guest
R 150k
Prize money to award winners
R16m
PR digital platforms and media value across national placements
53
Black suppliers empowered

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Watch the 2025 Awards Highlights
Experience the inspiration, celebration, and excellence of South Africa's premier township business recognition event.

Honoring Our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Laureates

Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope

DJ Sbu Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award Sbusiso Leope known to many as DJ Sbu was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Township Economy Awards.

This recognition speaks to a body of work built over decades rooted in the township economy and focused on creating access opportunity and growth for others.

His journey began in Tembisa township where he started as a volunteer at Tembisa Info Radio. Through discipline and consistency he rose to national prominence at YFM where he became a leading youth broadcaster.

His work helped shape youth culture and ensured township voices were represented on national platforms.

2025 Champion Award

Refiloe Motsei

Celebrating an entrepreneur and changemaker whose journey reflects the resilience, ambition and impact that continues to shape township economies, Refiloe (Motsei) Radebe.

Refiloe’s story is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, entrepreneurship becomes more than building a business. It becomes a pathway to creating opportunities, inspiring others and contributing to the growth of our communities.

We celebrate Refiloe for championing the township economy and demonstrating what is possible when we invest in local talent, ideas and enterprise.

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

Zethu Nyali

Zethu Nyali, founder of Zee_Organics, was honoured as this year’s Youth Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2nd Annual Township Economy Awards in Tembisa.

This recognition celebrates a journey that is transforming the natural beauty industry and inspiring young entrepreneurs nationwide.

Zethu’s story began with a deeply personal mission by supporting her sister through the challenges of chemotherapy by creating natural formulations to soothe hair and skin affected by treatment.

From this experience, Zee Organics was born, a brand dedicated to empowering individuals with afro-textured and relaxed hair by providing natural, effective and holistic haircare and skincare solutions.

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

Rhulani Chauke

Rhulani Chauke, CEO of Conza's biscuits in Soweto, was recognised as this year’s Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2nd Annual Township Economy Awards.

This honour celebrates her excellence, resilience and innovation in building a proudly township-born brand, inspiring female entrepreneurs across the country to pursue their vision and create lasting impact in their communities.

Conza’s Biscuits is more than just a bakery, it is a legacy built on cherished family recipes and a deep commitment to quality.

Male Entrepreneur of the Year

Thabiso Hlongwane

Thabiso Hlongwane, founder and CEO of Greener Pastures Recycling Company - Pty Ltd, was honoured as the Male Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2nd Annual Township Economy Awards 2025 hosted in Tembisa.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainability, innovation and the township economy. As an environmental engineer by training, Thabiso has evolved into a circular economy innovator, applying technical expertise to real-world environmental challenges.

His work is rooted in the belief that waste is not just a problem to manage but an opportunity to create jobs, value and long-term impact while caring for the environment.

Agricultural Excellence Award

Sophy Musabeni

Construction Champion Award

Mpho Bantsijang

Creative, Arts & Culture Award

Thimna Sitokisi

Entrepreneur with disability Award

Khulane Sikhosana

Food & Beverage Award

Rhulani Chauke and Rhandzu Chauke

Green Economy Award

Thabiso Hlongwane

Health & Wellness Award

Zethu Nyali

Manufacturing Excellence

Rhulani Hlungwani

Professional Services Award

Primrose Sthole

Retail Excellence Award

Tshepo Solomon

Service Excellence Award

Ester Maseko

Social & Community Impact Award

Kwakho Madikwa

Technology & Innovation Award

Xolani Gininda

Transport Award

Keotshepile Jonathan

Event Gallery

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Township Economy Awards
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Thank You to Our 2025 Partners

2025 Judging Panel

Distinguished business leaders who evaluated nominees with expertise and integrity.

Derrick Ndzavi

Certified Business Advisor

Xoliswa Moraka

Founder
Colab4Growth

Marang Merekimane

Founder
Business Process Mechanics

Nape

Founder
Colab4Growth

2025 Keynote Speakers

Inspiring voices who shared wisdom and vision at our awards ceremony

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development

Executive Mayor of City of Ekurhuleni

Co-Founder & CEO of Joe Public

Managing Executive Insights and Advisory – Nedbank Retail and Business Banking

Founder of The Brand Leadership Group

General Manager of Five Star Fire

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Insights report

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Press Release.

Enter the Township Economy Awards 2026

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