Lifetime achiever award-winner Sam Motsuenyane who was handed his award by President Jacob Zuma says that we need to create a society of black entrepreneurs who can participate in nation-building.
At the second annual South African Premier Business Awards, business owners from across the country were recognised for their achievements and contributions across various sectors.
The awards, held in Sandton last month and hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry, Proudly South African and Brand SA, honour enterprises that promote innovation, employment, good business ethics and quality.
On the night, the highest honour was accorded to Sam Motsuenyane, the well-known serial entrepreneur who also serves on the boards of several big companies. Motsuenyane received the Lifetime Achiever Award, handed over by President Zuma.
“I have worked with many people, most of whom are no more. I salute black business pioneers who are still alive and those who have departed,” says Motsuenyane, a pioneer.
Lindiwe Shibambo (middle) hopes to expand her business after winning the SMME Award.
Lindiwe Shibambo, owner of domestic worker placement agency Maid4U, received the SMME award. She refers to the award as “the big one”.
“This shows me that we need to continue the work we do. There is no huge revenue, but this award has refuelled us,” says Shibambo.
She says she started the business in July 2010 after having a child and being faced with limited options when choosing a domestic worker and nanny.
Her hopes are to start opening other branches across the country.
Larry Shakinovsky, who co-owns Pentafloor with Bianca Shakinovsky, says he was overwhelmed after winning the Manufacturer Award.
Bianca and Larry Shakinovsky of Pentafloor won the Manufacturer Award.
“A while back, we entered another competition and did not win anything. We were really disappointed and therefore did not expect to win anything here,” says Shakinovsky.
However, when he arrived at the awards and saw that the president was in attendance, he realised the event’s magnitude.
In the last 12 months, he has acquired two new businesses.
Co-owner of technology service provider and manufacturer Mechcal, Gavin Ratner, says he is “quite chuffed” on winning the Green Award.
“I was surprised because we were up against such big companies, and it is quite an achievement,” says Ratner.
Brendan Crompton, marketing director at New Concept Mining, accepted the Quality Award.
Mechcal provides energy-efficient products that save up to 30% energy. Another award winner and supplier to the mining industry is New Concept Mining.
Winner of the Quality Award category, the acknowledgement was accepted by its marketing director, Brendan Crompton.
“We are honoured and excited to have received the award,” says the company’s managing director, Philip Maxton. He believes the award is the result of many years of focus on quality and credits the mining industry.
Other winners were Clover Mama Afrika Trust (Rural Development Award), SAAB Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd (Exporter Award), Carte Blanche (Media Award), Coega Development Corporation (Most
Karin Abrahams, Martina Laurie, Natascha Bailey and Precious Rumhama of Hands on Treatment are “on a high” after winning the Women-owned Enterprise Award.
Empowered Enterprise Award), Eskom Holdings SOC (Pty) Ltd (Technology Award), Botlhokwa Events and Projects (Young Entrepreneur Award and Play Your Part Award), Hands on Treatment (Pty) Ltd (Women-owned Enterprise Award), Eskom Holdings SOC (Pty) Ltd (Investor Award), and Ekurhuleni Artisans & Skills Training Centre (Proudly South African Enterprise Award).
All winners received a Gordon Institute of Business Science business course
- Go to www.sapremierbusiness awards.co.za