Top local exporters announced at awards evening
The 2016 exporters winners were announced at the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards.
THE winners of the 16th edition of the 2016 KZN Exporter of the Year Awards, a partnership between Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), were announced at a glitzy gala banquet held at the iNkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban recently.
This year saw the introduction of four new categories, of which three of these awarded recipients for exporting “soft skills” rather than just the usual exporters of tangible products. Driving exports and promoting economic growth in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal is the spark to ignite a growing export industry, and ultimately a stronger economy. The event and awards provide a platform and ideal showcase for emerging and established businesses exporting a wide range of products and services.
Transnet Port Terminals’ CE, Karl Socikwa, said that TPT’s participation in these awards for KZN is vital, considering the role that the terminal operator plays within the province.
“The Port of Durban handles about 60 per cent of the country’s imports and exports and is regarded as the busiest port in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the cog that ensures that the wheels of this country’s economy are continuously turning, it stands to reason that we continue to be involved with an event of this magnitude. Operation Phakisa, the government led initiative which will unlock the economic potential of South Africa’s maritime sector, also relies on the success of our country’s exporters in order to see the full benefits of the Blue Ocean Economy,” Socikwa said.
Durban Chamber CEO, Dumile Cele recognised the vital role that exports play in the growth and development of the economy.
“I am delighted that the awards have grown over the past 16 years, so much so that we were able to introduce 4 new categories this year. The Durban Chamber will continue to support and help grow our exporters through our Policy and Advocacy function, especially our Durban Port, Trade and Investment and Manufacturing Forums.”
In the Emerging Exporter category this year, the winner was Rocket Works (Pty) Ltd, in the Small Exporter category, Saddler Belts & Leathercraft (Pty) Ltd came out on top and in the Large Exporter category, SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa (PTY) Ltd was the winner. In the Africa category, TOYOTA South Africa Motors (Pty) Limited was the winner; in the Service Provider category, Mediterranean Shipping Company (Pty) Ltd came first.
In the manufacturer category, SAPPI Southern Africa was the winner, and in a new category – Agro Processing, Pakco came first. In the new Creative Industries category, Africa! Ignite came out on top. In the Services Sector category, Indian Ocean Export Company (Pty) Ltd was the winner. The BEE Award went to
Röhlig-Grindrod (Pty) Ltd.
Dumile Cele said the awards continue to grow from strength to strength, and KZN companies within the export industries are encouraged to apply for next year’s awards.
