Big recognition for small businesses at the 2016 South African Small Business Awards
MAGALIESSIG– The awards were to acknowledge the winners on their accomplishments and to support them in growing their business across borders.
Recognising the accomplishments of small business in the country was the order of the day at the 2016 South African Small Business Awards at Montecasino on 10 November.
In its eighth year, the awards acknowledge the country’s most outstanding businesses and the remarkable people behind them. They were thanks to the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) and sponsored by FNB, Adams and Adams, DHL and World Famous Events, who paid tribute to the unique contribution small businesses make to the country’s economy.
Mike Anderson, founder and chief executive officer of the NSBC explained that each one of this year’s winners demonstrated incredible tenacity, passion and dedication. “It is a privilege for the NSBC to play a role in promoting small businesses and we encourage a much-needed spirit of entrepreneurship through the South African Small Business Awards,” he said.
This year drew a record number of entries from diverse sectors ranging from technology, retail, transportation, music and engineering.
The National Small Business Champion was awarded to Roxanne Page of Sassy Chic, an online women’s boutique specialising in South African designers and brands, offering a variety of proudly South African fashion, lingerie and beauty products.
The National Entrepreneur Champion went to Calvin Mathibeli of the Calvin And Family Group, a construction company with a focus on residential development, and after tremendous growth is now branching out into commercial and retail development, as well as low-cost housing, schools, stadiums and water and sanitation systems.
The coveted National Woman in Business champion was awarded to Vino Govender of LA Consulting Engineers, a consulting practice operating in the built environment sector, offering sustainable living solutions that go beyond the call of duty.
Businesswoman, Tameron Haralambous of Eco Furniture Design was the recipient of a National Skills Development award for her focus on environmental sustainability and social upliftment as core business principles.
The National Innovation award was handed to Juanita van der Merwe of Little Green Number for her efforts in using repurposed PVC billboards, while also giving back to the community through a Buy-one, Give-one philosophy.
Senior partner with Adams & Adams, Johan du Preez said, “It is wonderful to see recognition being given to such determined and dynamic entrepreneurs. Small business leadership in South Africa requires unique skills that are informed by a razor-sharp mind and a lot of lateral thinking,” said Du Preez.
