The township economy, often referred to as the kasi economy or informal sector, is estimated to be worth nearly R900 billion. Despite its significant economic contribution, this sector is frequently overlooked. Seeking to change that narrative, the Township Economy Alliance (TEA) hosts the annual Township Economy Awards to spotlight and celebrate township entrepreneurs across South Africa.
Calling South Africa’s Township Entrepreneurs
Entries have officially opened for the third annual Township Economy Awards, hosted by the Township Economy Alliance (TEA). This national platform recognises township entrepreneurs across all nine South African provinces who are building sustainable enterprises, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth. Winning or being nominated for an award offers significant reach, boosting business credibility and creating key opportunities for long-term growth and visibility. In addition, the awards ceremony will be livestreamed to an international audience across more than 15 countries.
Since its inception, TEA has built a strong track record of empowering local business owners and celebrating the pivotal role of township enterprises in delivering innovative solutions to local communities and the broader economy. Bulelani Balabala, founder of the Township Economy Alliance (TEA), highlights: “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 connect it with the markets, capital, and partnerships required to scale.”
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To ensure a robust and competitive process, eligible businesses must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be based in a South African township
- Be 100% owned by South African citizens
- Have been actively operating for at least two years
- Demonstrate business growth, innovation, compliance, and positive community impact
Entries opened on 6 September 2026 and close on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Full criteria and online application forms are accessible at www.TownshipEconomyAwards.co.za.
Award Categories and Special Honours
Entrepreneurs may submit entries across 14 distinct business activity categories:
- Retail Excellence Award
- Food and Beverage Innovator of the Year
- Construction and Infrastructure Award
- Service Excellence Award
- Creative, Arts and Culture Award
- Health and Wellness Award
- Manufacturing Excellence Award
- Professional Services Award
- Technology and Innovation Award
- Green Economy Award
- Transport and Logistics Award
- Social and Community Impact Award
- Agricultural Excellence Award
- Entrepreneur with Disability Award
In addition to the core categories, special honours recognise overarching enterprise performance, leadership, and legacy—including Youth, Female, and Male Entrepreneur of the Year, the Township Economy Champion Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year also introduces Township Brand of the Year, a discretionary honour for brands deeply rooted in township culture and impact.
Celebrating Past Winners and Proven Impact
The platform has a strong track record of success. The second annual Township Economy Awards received over 3 000 entries, resulting in 45 national finalists and 19 winners who shared R150 000 in prize money. The campaign generated R16 million in media value while directly supporting 53 black suppliers.
Previous standout winners include:
- Rhulani Chauke (Conza’s Biscuits, Soweto): Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Food and Beverage Innovator winner.
- Thabiso Hlongwane (Greener Pastures Recycling Company): Male Entrepreneur of the Year and Green Economy Award winner.
- Zethu Nyali (Zee Organics Haircare, Umlazi): Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and Health and Wellness Award winner.
- Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his immense contribution to youth empowerment and township enterprise.
Event Details and Summit Integration
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 21 November 2026 in Tembisa, City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. It serves as the culmination of a larger three-day gathering held during Global Entrepreneurship Month. Tickets for the awards are sold separately.
Preceding the awards, the eighth annual Township Economy Summit will take place on 19 – 20 November 2026 under the theme “An Inclusive Economic Future: The Digital Edition”. Serving as the seventh annual gathering of township entrepreneurs organised by TEA, this two-day summit and exhibition provides a powerful platform connecting over 1 000 township business owners with corporate South Africa and government leaders. The summit expects over 2 500 total participants and 150 exhibitors, with free attendance upon registration.
The summit and expo will highlight six key sectors critical to local development: Spaza Shop and Distribution, Kasi Tech and Digital Transformation, Green Economy, Backroom and Property Market, Manufacturing, and Mobility and Logistics eKasi. Featuring insightful discussions led by industry leaders and black business pioneers, the event creates strategic opportunities for large corporates to engage meaningfully with township entrepreneurs, foster partnerships, and unlock sustainable value chains.
