Event hire, simplified
Hlela is South Africa's first event hire marketplace. We connect corporate event planners with verified hire companies — transparent pricing, real reviews, one platform.
The problem we're solving
Planning a corporate event in South Africa means contacting 10+ suppliers individually via WhatsApp, waiting days for quotes, and comparing prices manually in a spreadsheet. There's no transparency, no reviews, no way to know if you're getting a fair deal. Hlela changes that.
How Hlela works
For Event Planners
Browse verified suppliers, compare transparent pricing, read reviews from other planners, and request bookings — all from one platform. No more WhatsApp chaos.
For Suppliers
Get discovered by corporate planners actively looking for event equipment. Showcase your inventory, pricing, and reviews. Receive structured booking requests instead of vague WhatsApp messages.
Why “Hlela”?
Hlela means “to arrange” in Zulu — exactly what event planners do every day. We chose a name rooted in South Africa because this platform is built for our market, by our people.
Frequently asked questions
What is event hire?
Event hire is the rental of equipment and infrastructure needed to run an event — marquees, furniture, decor, linen, staging, sound and lighting, generators, and catering equipment. Instead of buying these items, event planners and hosts rent them for the duration of the event from specialist hire companies.
How much does marquee hire cost in Cape Town?
Marquee hire in Cape Town typically ranges from R3,000 to R15,000+ depending on size, style (stretch tent, Bedouin, or aluminium-frame marquee), and additional extras like flooring, lighting, and walling. Prices also vary by supplier and season, with peak wedding and summer months commanding higher rates. Compare suppliers on Hlela to see transparent pricing in one place.
How does Hlela's pricing work for event planners?
Hlela is completely free for event planners to browse, compare, and request bookings. There is no fee to search suppliers, view pricing, or submit a booking request.
How does Hlela make money?
Hlela charges suppliers a 15% commission only on confirmed bookings that come through the platform. There is no charge for enquiries that don't convert into a booking, and listing on Hlela is free for suppliers.
What event categories does Hlela cover?
Hlela covers nine categories of event hire in Cape Town: furniture hire, marquee and tent hire, decor and styling, linen and tableware, staging and lighting, sound and AV, generator hire, dance floors and entertainment, and catering equipment.
Is Hlela only for corporate events?
Hlela's primary focus at launch is corporate event planners — conferences, gala dinners, product launches, and team building events in Cape Town. The platform may expand to weddings and private events in future phases.
How long does it take to get a quote on Hlela?
Unlike traditional event hire sourcing, which can take 3-5 days of back-and-forth via WhatsApp and email, Hlela shows transparent pricing upfront where available, and structured booking requests are typically answered by suppliers within 24 hours.
Ready to simplify your next event?
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