The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2021 were held on the 10 June 2021 at a hybrid event hosted at the ONOMO Hotel, Durban. The annual awards, now in their fifteenth year, celebrate business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal. As business plays a crucial role in the growth of Africa, Standard Bank has been the proud sponsor of this event for several years.
Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank Head Consumer Client Coverage, KwaZuluNatal emphasised the bank’s commitment to growing the economy. He said, “At Standard Bank our purpose is defined by ‘Africa is our home we drive her growth’.
We aim to make life better for our fellow Africans by doing the right business the right way, contributing to the financial wellbeing of our clients, and supporting sustainable and job creating growth of the economies in which we operate.” ‘It Can Be’ is Standard Bank’s promise of hope, change and optimism.
Keynote speaker Dr Ahmed Shaikh, managing director of the Durban-based REGENT Business School, thought-provoking address focused on innovation and stressed the need for South African businesses to be anti-fragile when it comes to major shocks to the global economy.
The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards recognise companies and organisations that integrate responsible business practice into their operations, resulting in a positive impact on the economy, community, and workplace, creating a better life for all in KZN.
The 2021 event included a number of new categories that reflect the challenges businesses are currently facing. The judges had an enormous task assessing the entries and obtained much insight into the business heart of KwaZulu-Natal in the stories of success that were shared.
The arithmetical accuracy of the judges’ votes was checked by PKF Durban.
The category winners are:
· Business Innovation: Imperial Armour
· Entrepreneur Resilience: Sihle Ndlela and Simphiwe Majozi
· Digital/System Implementation: Plennegy (Pty) Ltd
· Employee Wellbeing: MCS Debt Recovery
· Small Business Start-up: Seventeen87 Wine Cellar
· Community and Social Responsibility: Toyota South Africa Motors {Pty) Ltd
· Family Business: Hirsch’s
· Business Personality: Ashok Sewnarain
· Top Brand: Hollywoodbets
Hameed Noormahomed, Standard Bank Head Business Client Coverage, KwaZulu-Natal said, “We thank all businesses for their agility and resilience in forging ahead under these challenging times to stimulate and grow our economy.”
To ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols only the winners in each category were able to attend the inaugural hybrid event to receive their awards in person. South African sports presenter Thato Moeng, together with well-known Durbanite Logie Naidoo, engaged both the in-studio audience and those watching online in style.
CEO of KZN Top Business Grant Adlam said, “Congratulations to all participants. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Standard Bank and all those who helped us make this event a success. It was a privilege to work with an amazing group of individuals to produce our first-ever hybrid awards ceremony.
Thanks also to Woodford Car Hire, for chauffeuring the winners to and from the venue, and to our media partners East Coast Radio and The Mercury.”