ERMELO – The response from the community has already been encouraging, with local pride clearly on display as residents nominate their favourites in Highvelder’s Best of Ermelo Readers’ Choice Awards.

Highvelder’s Best of Ermelo awards have already received 260 nominations across all categories — and counting!

Launched on December 15, the awards mark the first time readers can actively nominate and later vote for the businesses, services, and individuals who make a real difference in town.

Since the launch, nominations have been steadily coming in, showing just how passionate the community is about recognising quality, excellence, and reliability.

We have also added Wedding and Conference Centres to the mix and corrected a sub-category that was listed as Branding/Financial Services, which will now be Branding/Signage.

Residents are invited to nominate across a wide range of categories, from well-known local businesses to standout service providers and individuals who go the extra mile.

While many favourites have already been put forward, there is still time to ensure your top choices are included.

Nominations are open, and voting will begin once the nomination phase has closed on January 30 and all eligible nominees have been confirmed.

How to nominate:

1. Visit the Highvelder website at www.highveldernews.co.za.

2. Click on the “Best Of” section in the header menu at the top of the page, alongside sections like News, Classifieds, Lifestyle, and more.

3. Choose the category you want to nominate your favourite business, service, or local personality in.

4. Complete the online form to submit your nomination. Type in the business name, service, or individual, enter your email address, tick the captcha box, and you’re done!

5. You can submit multiple nominations each day, but only one business per category.

This community-driven initiative is designed to be simple, transparent, and inclusive, giving residents a public platform to celebrate the people and businesses that shape everyday life in Ermelo.

Nominations and votes will span multiple categories and sub-categories, ensuring a broad reflection of local favourites.

Once nominations close, all qualifying nominees in each category will be published, and the voting phase will officially begin.

Categories receiving fewer than three nominations will not proceed to voting.

Winners will receive a framed Best of Ermelo Readers’ Choice certificate, presented during a gala evening, which they can proudly display at their establishments as a mark of recognition by the local community.

Readers are encouraged to keep an eye on Highvelder’s website and print editions for updates, full voting instructions, and announcements as the awards move into the next phase.

Now is the time to nominate – make sure your favourites get the recognition they deserve.