According to the chairman of the chamber, Donovan Lewis, the award is one of the most overdue awards. Botha, the CEO of Trans Letaba Panelbeaters, served on the chamber’s executive committee since 2001 and has been a member of the chamber since 1989. “When serving as an exco member of the chamber, you cannot be nominated for any awards.

Hansie had to resign last year as an exco member when he was elected national executive chairman of the Bosveld Jagtersvereniging. It is my pleasure to announce that he is our Businessperson of the Year,” said Lewis. “He has represented the chamber on the Greater Tzaneen Municipality committee, Local Economic Forum committee, Electricity Forum, and the Open Water Affairs case.

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He was also a founding member of the Greater Tzaneen Economic Development Agency and is still one of its directors. “Through the leadership of Hansie, Trans Letaba is manufacturer approved for 28 different types of vehicles, including the likes of Toyota, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi, and many others.

Hansie served more than once as president and vice chairman of the chamber. He remains a valid member of this chamber, fighting to make Tzaneen a business-friendly community. “Hansie and his whole family are true Tzaneeners and have spent many hours in service of this community. He never wavered, and therefore this gives me great joy to thank Hansie for all his selfless work,” said Lewis.