KZN TOP BUSINESS AWARDS 2026 ENTRIES OPEN
- Gayle Adlam
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
We are pleased to announce that entries for the KZN Top Business Awards 2026, brought to you Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, are officially ope
The KZN Top Business Awards celebrate the innovation, resilience, and success that define KwaZulu Natal’s regional economy. These prestigious awards recognise the businesses and individuals whose leadership and enterprise are driving sustainable growth and transformation across the province. KwaZulu-Natal continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic engine of economic growth in South Africa.
From major expansions and efficiency upgrades at the Port of Durban and the Port of Richards Bay—two of Africa’s busiest maritime gateways to sustained investment in agro-processing, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, renewable energy, and tourism, the province is capitalising on its strategic location and skilled workforce.
Supported by growing special economic zones, infrastructure modernisation, and public private partnerships, KwaZulu Natal is increasingly positioned as a hub for trade, innovation, and inclusive development. Commenting on the significance of the awards, Rishaad Webster, Provincial Head: Business Banking, KZN, Standard Bank, said, “We aim to support our clients’ ambitions, unlock new opportunities, and amplify business growth through meaningful partnerships. These awards reflect the spirit of progress that we strive to enable every day.” Pria Hassan, CEO of Women of Africa Group, added, “This is an opportunity to position your business alongside an organisation that understands how to build brands responsibly.
If you want to contribute to an inclusive and thriving economy, take that quantum leap of faith in yourself.
This is the perfect stage on which to be heard.” Award Categories for 2026
1. Standard Bank Client of the Year – Small Enterprise
2. Standard Bank Client of the Year – Large Entit
3. Manufacturing Sector
4. Transport and Logistics Sector
5. Franchising Sector
6. Family-Owned and Managed Businesses
7. Agricultural and Agro- Processing Sector
8. Business, Financial and Educational Sector
9. Community Upliftment and Improvement
10. Renewable Efficiency and Green Initiatives
11. Employee Wellness
12. Partnership Award
The KZN Top Business Leader’s Award and the WOA KZN Top Business Woman Award are both honorary accolades. Previous recipients of the KZN Top Business Leader’s Award include:
■ Captain Salvatore Sarno, Chairman, MediterraneanShipping Company South Africa
■ Brian Howarth, Managing Director, Magnet (2024)
■ Owen Heffer, Owner, Hollywoodbets (2023)
■ Esay Reddy, Chief Executive Officer, KZN Oils (2022)
■ Ashok Sewnarain, Founder and Chairman, IBV (2021)
In 2025, Women of Africa Group introduced the WOA KZN Top Business Woman Award, recognising outstanding female leadership in business. The inaugural recipient was Nosipho Siwisa-Damasane, a distinguished leader in South Africa’s transport and logistics sector. In addition, the highly sought after KwaZulu-Natal Top Brand Award is determined solely through a public poll. Online voting for this category will open in May.
Eligibility and Entry Criteria To be eligible, a company or organisation must have a registered office in KwaZulu-Natal. Each award category has specific judging criteria, and winners will be selected by an independent judging panel based on alignment with these requirements. Entrants must demonstrate their contribution to the KwaZulu-Natal economy and present a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King V. The overall quality, credibility, and substantiation of each entry will be central to the evaluation process.
To ensure broad representation, entry is free of charge. Encouraging participation, Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business said, “I encourage all eligible businesses to submit their entries before the closing date of 12 June. This is your opportunity to showcase your achievements, gain well-deserved recognition, and join a prestigious community of business leaders who are shaping the future of our province.” Finalists and winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner on 16 July 2026.
For further information on categories and entry requirements, visit www.kzntopbusiness.com, or contact Gayle Adlam on +27 (0)83 653 0465 or editorial@mweb.co.za
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