The accomplishments of the small business community in South Africa was in the spotlight as winners of the 2016 South African Small Business Awards were announced on 10 November at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.

In its eighth year, the South African Small Business Awards acknowledge the country’s most outstanding businesses and the remarkable people behind them. Hosted by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) and proudly sponsored by FNB, Adams and Adams, DHL and World Famous Events, the awards pay tribute to the unique contribution small businesses make to the South African economy.

This year drew a record number of entries from a diverse range of sectors ranging from technology, retail, transportation, music and engineering. Mike Anderson, founder and CEO of the NSBC says each of 2016 winners demonstrate incredible tenacity, passion and dedication. “It is a privilege for the NSBC to play a role in promoting small businesses and encourage a much-needed spirit of entrepreneurship through the South African Small Business Awards,” he notes.

The National Small Business Champion was awarded to Roxanne Page of Sassy Chic, an online women’s boutique specialising in South African designers and brands, offering a variety of proudly South African fashion, lingerie and beauty products. The National Entrepreneur Champion went to Calvin Mathibeli of the Calvin And Family Group, a construction company with a focus on residential development, and after tremendous growth is now branching out into commercial and retail development, as well as low cost housing, schools, stadiums and water and sanitation systems.

The coveted National Woman in Business Champion was awarded to Vino Govender of LA Consulting Engineers, a consulting practice operating in the built environment sector offering sustainable living solutions that go beyond the call of duty.

In addition, Tameron Haralambous of Eco Furniture Design was the recipient of a National Skills Development Award for her focus on environmental sustainability and social upliftment as core business principles. The National Innovation Award was extended to Juanita Van Der Merwe of Little Green Number for her efforts in using repurposed PVC billboards while also giving back to the community through a ‘Buy1Give1’ philosophy.

In congratulating the finalists, senior partner with Adams & Adams, Johan du Preez said, “It is wonderful to see recognition being given to such determined and dynamic entrepreneurs. Small Business leadership in South Africa requires unique skills that are informed by a razor sharp mind and a lot of lateral thinking.” This sentiment was echoed by Stephen Swart, head of Global Business Development at FNB who added, “We as FNB Business support the entrepreneurial spirit shown by each of the worthy winners, and look forward to seeing their continued growth and progression.

John Lucas, managing director for DHL Express South Africa added, “DHL has over the last couple of years channelled its focus into the development and growth of SME’s across Sub-Saharan Africa, as we see them as the growth engine for the continent. We congratulate the winners on their awards and look forward to continuing to support them in growing their business across borders.”

The full list of winners are as follows:

National Small Business Champion

SassyChic (Roxanne Page)

National Entrepreneur Champion

Calvin Mathibeli (Calvin And Family Group)

National Woman in Business Champion

Vino Govender (LA Consulting Engineers)

Special Awards:

National Skills Development Award

Eco Furniture Design (Tameron Haralambous)

National Innovation Award

Little Green Number (Juanita Van Der Merwe)