THE partnership between the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Transnet Port Terminals continues to grow as they will again host the 2016 KZN Exporter of the year awards.
Now in the 16th year, the awards have grown progressively since 2000, with four additional categories being included this year. The competition recognises companies in the export business in the province, highlighting and celebrating the successes of the past year, but these go beyond the usual sectors and businesses normally affiliated with the term ‘export’.
According to Transnet Port Terminals CE, Karl Socikwa, the awards have expanded significantly as far as the scope of industries and businesses that are participating.
“As a key enabler of exporters in this country, we play a critical role in ensuring that South Africa does not only export traditional cargo to the world but also in exporting various other services. Exporters are key role players and drivers for what makes a good economy work. Three of the four new categories introduced this year will look to award recipients beyond the traditional exporter of tangible products and focus more on recipients exporting soft skills. In pursuit of becoming a growing nation we need to think beyond the traditional boundaries of exporting because as a country we can only grow with the increase of net exports,” said Socikwa.
Dumile Cele, CEO Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “As the Durban Chamber, the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards is an opportunity for us to celebrate and encourage exports out of KZN. The Durban Chamber processes thousands of Certificates of Origin which are important international trade documents attesting that goods are of South African origin. We have found it encouraging that there has been an increase in the number of Certificates of Origin processed in the last year. This is testament to growing manufacturing and exports from South Africa as a result of a favorable foreign exchange rate due to a weaker rand.”
The winners will be announced at the awards gala banquet on 20 October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Tickets are available for table purchases at R9 000 for members and R10 000 for non-members, and for individuals seats at R950 for members and R1 050 for non-members.
Contact Sharmala Pillay on pillays@durbanchamber.co.za or 031 335 1000.
