The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism's (KLCBT) 17th annual awards ceremony sparkled with the flair of excellence and prestige last Friday.
The Kruger National Park received the president's award for its unrivaled contribution to the Kruger Lowveld economy over several generations. Here are Louis Nel, Joep Stevens, Nhlanhla Themba and Oupa Pilane. Photo: Hennie Homann / HH Photography
MBOMBELA – Big and small and old and new leaders in business and tourism were recognised for their role in the local community at Emnotweni.
The KLCBT’s black-tie showcase of local business’ accomplishments and ethics and their contributions to the community also selected the five special awards in categories where there were no finalists.
James Aling was presented with the KLCBT leadership awards for HL Halls & Sons’ contribution to the community and economic growth of the region and its deep roots in society. Here are Johan Barnard, James Aling and Nick Elliot. Photo: Hennie Homann / HH Photography
Nico van Zyl was named Bidvest Car Rental business personality.
The legendary, 90-year-old Old Joe was named the Hotels.com tourism personality. Chris Christie won the MLF philanthropy award. Here are David Jacobsz, Wouter de Witt (Ghost) and Solange Soares-Nicholson with Old Joe. Photo: Hennie Homann / HH PhotographyThe MLF Philantropy award went to Chris Christi snr. Here is Christopher Christi jnr with TJ Maré. Photo: Iconic Management
Two presented for the first time were for innovation in tourism and the webbie award.
Innovation in Tourism: Etienne Soiné, Linda Grimbeek and Henriette van Twisk. Photo: Iconic ManagementLowveld Media won the Roan Systems webbie award.Crossing SUPERSPAR tourism large enterprise: Southern Sun Emnotweni. Here are Etienne Soiné, Michelle Higgo and Christopher Christi. Photo: Iconic Management
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport tourism SMME: Aviation Adventures Flying Club. Here are Etienne Soiné, Wally van Welie and Charl du Plessis. Photo: Iconic Management
The other winners were
• Shumba large business: Konica Minolta Mpumalanga
• Tracker Connect medium business: Wildman Nelspruit
• Nedbank Retail and Business Banking small business: Cowley Paints
• Sappi Nelspruit community service: GRIP
• Halls Properties Alan Bachelor environmental: Mountainlands Nature Reserve and Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
• AON SA Entrepreneur: Mpumalanga Newshorn.
The Swazi Tenors entertained the guests with a brilliant tribute to Il Divo, Josh Groban and other popular classic crossover songs. Photo: Iconic Management
The catering from Emnotweni was outstanding as usual, which added to the success of a delightful, well-organised prestige evening that the Lowveld could be proud of.
