SA wins two awards in Mozambique International trade fair

SOUTH Africa was the centre of attraction and the envy of about 30 countries at the Mozambique International Trade Fair (FACIM) when it scooped two awards on September 2.

The ceremony was hosted by the country’s Prime Minister, Carlos Agostinho do Rosário on the penultimate day of the fair.

South Africa romped home with the Best Pavillion Award, while Kama Industries, a Johannesburg-based company producing audible and visual signalling devices, was voted the Best Exhibitor at FACIM 2017.

The High Commissioner of South Africa in Mozambique, Mandisi Mpahlwa, who received the country’s award, could not contain his excitement as it was third time lucky for SA after coming third last year and second in 2015.

“This award talks to South Africa’s high regard for Mozambique in general, and FACIM in particular, and the seriousness with which we approached the exhibition. All of these are reflected in the number and calibre of companies that we bring here, and an effort that we make in putting up an aesthetically pleasing pavillion that stands out from the rest through its structure, branding, mix of sectors and calibre of companies,” said an elated Mpahlwa.

He added that more importantly, what set the SA pavillion apart from the rest and captured the imagination of the judges were the actual tangible products that are showcased by the 20 companies that the Department of Trade (the DTI) assisted to exhibit at the trade fair.

“Most of the pavilions contained very little in terms of the actual products but were dominated by posters of what their companies produce. The products on our stands did not only fascinate the judges but they also attracted a lot of attention and interest from the throngs of people who visited our pavillion. The fact that they could literally see the products resulted in them spending more time at the various stands speaking to our exhibitors about their products which they could touch and discern,” said Mpahlwa.

The product specialist of Kama Industries said he felt humbled by the recognition and the reward he received on behalf of his company.