Top businesses recognised at 5th SA Premier Business Awards
SANDTON – Top businesses given recognition at 5th SA Premier Business Awards.
Businesses demonstrating growth and excellence were recognised at the 5th South African Premier Business Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre on 30 January.
Awards were handed out in 10 categories, recognising companies that contribute positively towards the South African economy.
Thata Ubeke Manufacturing, a Boksburg-based company situated in Jetpark, scooped two awards including the Black Industrialist Award and the Manufacturer Award. An ecstatic Nana Sabelo and Thuthu Khumalo said this wasn’t the first time they had taken home a prize at this event.
“We won the inaugural Black Industrialist Award in 2016/2017 and again this year. We are basking in the limelight of winning the manufacturer award,” said Khumalo.
“It makes our hard work mean something and shows what we are giving to the local and international market. Getting this award is like adding another tier to our cake. Next year, it will be about beating our personal best, since there’s pressure to take things to the next level.” She added that she hopes they walk home with the Exporters Award next year.
Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said, “This year the South African Premier Business Awards acknowledge the Black Industrialist Award as its prestigious main category. In doing so, government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting and increasing the participation of black people in the industrial space.”
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, a tyre manufacturing company, also won two awards at the ceremony, namely the Enterprise Development Award and Investor Award.
Davies addressed the crowd of around 1 000 role players in business saying that he was optimistic about the future of the South African economy in 2018. “There is a positive mood among foreign and domestic investors due to the recent changes in the leading party, and the world economy is predicted to achieve its highest level of growth this year.”
He praised the businesses that walked home with awards at the event, adding that their achievement was elevated due to a tough 2017 economic climate.
MCs for the evening included the entrepreneur Andile Khumalo and TV personality Leanne Manas.
Afro Tenors proved the entertainment which included a special tribute to the late Hugh Masekela.
Winners of the Women-owned Business Award, Gwendolyn Madida and Monika Pretorius from BBD Steel in Rosslyn, Pretoria, said they were overwhelmed by the blessing of their achievement.
“There are huge opportunities for women in business because of current legislation and the attitude on the ground,” said Madida.
“Our partnership represents what our country is trying to achieve and is an example of what can work in South Africa.”
Winners were announced in the following categories:
- Young Entrepreneur Award – Gridbow Engineers and Technical Services
- SMME Award – Memeza Shout (Pty) Ltd
- Women-owned Business Award – BBD Steel Supplies
- Enterprise Development Award – Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Investor Award – Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Manufacturer Award – Thata Ubeke Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd
- Exporter Award – Aerosud Aviation (Pty) Ltd
- Proudly South African Member Company Award – La Van Skin and Body Excellence System
- Play Your Part Award – Clover Mama Afrika Trust
- Black Industrialist Award – Thata Ubeke Manufacturing.
The awards were sponsored by Old Mutual, Tsogo Sun, Wits Business School and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
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