Individuals, organisations and businesses in the province were recognised and awarded for their contribution towards building the country’s productive capacity during the Limpopo regional productivity awards presented at Bolivia Estate recently.
Those rewarded have successfully completed the Productivity South Africa (SA) programmes aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness. Participants gained recognition of successful business management practices and business improvement initiatives, identification and adoption of best practices in businesses and institutions, it was learnt. Participants were assessed on criteria such as productivity approach, results and impact, sustainability and transferability of the initiative, environmental impact, growth and development.
It was reported that productivity awards were issued to registered cooperatives, small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), emerging sector with less than 200 employees, corporate sector with over 200 employees, public sector and individuals.
In his keynote address, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC Seaparo Sekoati said: “As government, we are very proud of those enterprises that are taking productivity improvement imperatives seriously and making considerable investments in improving their skills and competencies.”
He further said highly competitive, profitable and socially-responsive enterprises were needed for the country to improve its standing in the world. Celebrating enhanced performance in developing the province’s economy is a worthy course, Sekoati explained.
Productivity SA Chief Executive Officer, Mothunye Mothiba stated that the partnership with the department was to grow enterprises to be in the right space and compete in the market. He added that quality and efficiency were best components in a business and reiterated that SMMEs should learn to deal with pressure to deliver quality products and build solid relationships with customers.
The Limpopo regional finalists were Punda Maria Bricks and Pavers, Mamokgadi Pottery Primary, Cooperative Ltd, Core Energy (Pty) Ltd, Leolo Cooperative (Pty) Ltd, High Wave Agricultural Cooperative, Mutale Integrated Energy Cooperative and Tshilimagana Cooperative. At the time of going to print the list of winners was being awaited.
Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
