Wilna Booysen was awarded the Ambassador of the Year. “There are so many people that do a lot for the community behind the scenes. Wilna is one of these ‘Angels of Tzaneen’ that flies below the radar. “In 2013 she arrived at the Letaba Show office and asked where she could help out and today, 11 years later she still has not stopped helping. In 2013 the senior citizens tea at the Letaba Show had 50 people in attendance and last year a whopping 240 senior citizens attended this occasion.”

“Wilna is the person behind the scenes at this event and she bakes venison pies, organises gifts, and serves tea and coffee with her team of volunteers. She is also involved at Goue Jare Bejaardesorg where she bakes pancakes and organises Christmas luncheons and fundraisers. She helps less fortunate people in our community, and we are grateful for people like Wilna that has an open heart and do so much for her community without expecting accolades,” said Donovan Lewis, chairperson of the chamber.

Also read: Formidable Adri receives first ‘Pride of Tzaneen’

Build It won the Friendliest Business of the Year award that was received by Victor Walkenshaw and Johan Coetzer, the principal of Wolkberg Akademie won the Manager of the Year award. The Maree family of Tzaneen Garden Centre and Olive Tree Coffee Shop won the SMME of the Year award for their family-owned businesses based in Tzaneen. My Blom’s Candace Gubitz won the Emerging Business of the Year award.

Deon van Tonder from Evac 911 and Col Sekoto from Tzaneen Police Station each received a certificate of merit. Anza van Vuuren, Xihoko Sports Club, Tzaneen Community Policing Forum, Mphele Yelane, Sarie Espach, Melissa Strydom, Martin Froise, and Dr Gary Middleton each received awards for selfless community service. Brenda Lubbe, Jacques Gerber, and Marius Marais each received employee excellence awards. The event was held at Hotel@ Tzaneen and was sponsored by Absa Tzaneen.