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The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science collaborated with The Adaptation Network to host the fifth Ukulinga Howard David Memorial Symposium at the University’s Ukulinga Research Farm in Pietermaritzburg. Focusing on the theme of Small-Scale Farmers and Climate Change Adaptation, the three-day event incorporated the annual Southern African Adaptation Colloquium and featured presentations from the technical to the storytelling on topics related to agronomy, water resources management, innovative technologies, sustainability and farmers’ experiences. First hosted in 2016, this symposium was established to demonstrate theoretical and applied research carried out at UKZN’s Ukulinga Research Farm to the scientific community, agribusiness sector and farming community. It facilitates formation of relationships with agribusinesses and skill development and knowledge transfer for the benefit of emerging and current small-scale community-based farmers. The event has benefited through the UKZN Foundation from the support of the Howard Davis Farm Trust based in the Jersey Islands and honours the educational legacy of Durban-based businessman TB Davis whose endowments enabled the building of UKZN’s Howard College in the 1930s in memory of Davis’s son who was killed in World War I. More than 200 delegates representing a wide range of interested stakeholders including academic staff and students from UKZN and Mangosuthu University of Technology, small-scale farmers, civil society organisations, agribusiness, farming organisations and more attended the event. At the opening of the Symposium, The Adaptation Network co-chair Ms Charissa da Costa said, ‘The Adaptation Network recognises that small-scale farming is the catalyst for maintaining livelihoods in vulnerable and disadvantaged families and communities. We are excited to engage with others who are also passionate about promoting awareness and implementing activities that empower communities to innovate and adapt to climate change.’ UKZN’s Farmer Support Group (FSG) is a member of the Adaptation Network and contributed to organising the Symposium, and facilitated the attendance of small-scale farmers that the FSG works with who displayed their farm produce. The opening keynote address was delivered by Professor Stanley Liphadzi, Group Executive for Research and Development at the Water Research Commission (WRC) who spoke about the knowledge, education and impact of a research-informed institution. He referenced UKZN’s influence and leadership in the water and agricultural sectors; the institution was awarded 12 WRC projects in 2021, three of which fell within the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences with significant resources attached to further this research. ‘This School has expertise and people that are driving the research agenda of this country, and agriculture plays an important role,’ said Liphadzi. ‘Agriculture has created a value in how we are using water, even in our programmes at the WRC, and it is important to see tangible outcomes [from research].’

Overall mental, physical, emotional, and economic health of employees. The finalists are: Phungela Holdings Star Retailers Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) JD Telecom Phungela Holdings Phungela Holdings is a South African business technology and digital transformation firm, that understands that a healthy and engaged workforce is crucial for productivity, job satisfaction, and overall success. Star Retailers The group’s name is called STAR RETAILERS, because it stands for SUCCESS will be achieved with a TEAM of staff with the right ATTITUDE and RESPECT for each other. The group has over 1200 employees at its supermarkets and through their charity work they encourage teamwork, collaboration, and unity. Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) GIFS is a thought leader and disruptor in financial services education and training that believes a happy team is a productive team and this is demonstrated by the personal and professional growth of their team members. JD Telecom JD Telecom is a satellite and technology-based entity that focuses largely on establishing connectivity and communications purposes. The age old saying of “Happy employees are productive employees”, is very true in JD Telecom’s business whose employees are acknowledged as valued role-players.

The majority of ownership or control of the business lies within a family. The finalists are: KZN Oils Magnet Electrical Supplies Phoenix Group LHL Engineering KZN Oils KZN Oils was founded by the late Rajen Reddy. Esay Reddy become CEO of KZN Oils in 2021. Their children Venisha, Kerushin and Kreeshan, are actively involved in managing the various company divisions. Magnet Electrical Supplies The 50-year-old family business was founded by Ernest and Janice Howarth in 1972 as an electrical wire supplier. The company now plays a substantial role in the world of energy in KZN. Phoenix Group The Phoenix Group comprises 15 companies, of which the proverbial flagship is Phoenix Cash and Carry Pietermaritzburg. Brothers Ahmed Dhai and Ismail Dhai started the company in 1975 and it continues to be managed by the Dhai family. LHL Engineering LHL Engineering is a family run business led by Nelson Govender whose vision is to be ‘the-go-to engineering team’ known for outstanding quality, safety, customer service and value.

Awarded to a business that is owned by one or more people who provide products or services under the branding and rules stipulated by a parent company. The finalists are: CMM Group of Companies Star Retailers ActionCOACH Marlene Powell CMM Group of Companies Colin and Meshika David have turned market opportunities into high performance outlets and have become multiple award-winning franchise owners, with 11 Famous Brands outlets in the Pinetown and upper highway area. Star Retailers Founded by Ravi and Serena Jagadasan, Star Retailers comprises eight Spar supermarkets in the greater Durban area that are based on the success of the group’s culture and strategy. ActionCOACH Marlene Powell As the first woman ActionCOACH franchisee in South Africa and as an internationally certified business coach, Marlene Powell has transitioned herself from a generalist to a specialist in her field.

This award is given to companies for transport via land, pipelines, air, travel agencies and courier activities, as well as storage and warehousing. The finalists are: East Rand Bulk Fastway Couriers Durban Transnet Pipelines East Rand Bulk East Rand Bulk is a fuel company of proficiency, who delivers service levels engrained with a host of experience and expertise, extending over more than 25 years of steady progression. Fastway Couriers Durban Fastway Couriers Durban offer a unique approach to courier services; specialising in economically priced, personalised courier delivery and pickup services for businesses, large and small. Transnet Pipelines Transnet Pipelines owns, manages and controls South Africa’s network of 3800km of high pressure hydrocarbon and methane rich gas pipelines.

Having a positive influence on the world. The finalists are: Mi7 National Group DRG Pro Talent East Coast Radio Mi7 National Group With decades as a leader in the security cluster, Mi7’s mission is to uplift, empower and enhance the quality of life within the communities they operate. DRG DRG provides human resource and business development services. CEO David White recognises that business success includes sustainability considerations within communities and society as a whole, and ensuring environmental rights and protection are achieved. Pro Talent Owned by Cindy Norcott, Pro Talent is a specialist recruitment agency, based in Westville, KZN, that has been in existence since 1994. Pro Talent has been instrumental in running the Robin Hood Foundation, which was founded by Cindy. East Coast Radio In the past five years, KZN has faced unparalleled challenges. East Coast Radio has been the beacon of hope providing sustainable assistance, including the rebuilding of over 10 schools in the KZN community, ECR has also donated over R2 million towards infrastructure, educational supplies, feeding schemes, and community upliftment.

This award is given to a business that includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc. The finalists are: Hemera Group LiteBruim Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Hemera Group Hemera Group is an electrical engineering entity focusing its resources on developing cutting-edge technologies for alternative energy sources. Beekman Group The Beekman Group is a Port Shepstone holiday and leisure giant that sets the example in sustainable energy practices for both the South African holiday industry and the KwaZulu-Natal business community alike. Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Triplo4’s business is encompassed in its name. The company provides sustainable solutions to address social, environmental and economic aspects holistically within private and public enterprises as well as communities and society as a whole. LiteBruim LiteBruim, which is a registered trademark, is a proudly South African and 100% black owned brand established in 2018, having the aim to advance the equal participation of black youth within the renewable energy industry.

KwaZulu-Natal is home to a large number of brands that have been home-grown and driven from within the province. Many of these companies have long histories and they continue to expand their footprints today. Each year, the Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award is much coveted and honours many of the most loved brands in the province. The Top Brand accolade is awarded solely by public vote and is contested over several weeks. The interest in this category is especially reflected in the huge range of brands that are selected and in the thousands of votes cast. The voting also reflects the efforts these businesses put into their branding and marketing. All the brands have won the support of their employees, clients, family and friends and the votes received are a testament to these accomplishments. The 2023 top 20 brands are: 1. Mi7 National Group 2. KZN Oils 3. Icebolethu Group 4. Beekman Group 5. East Coast Radio 6. Blue Security 7. Hollywoodbets 8. Gift of the Givers 9. Hirsch’s 10. STE Scaffolding 11. Hemera Group 12. DRG 13. The Sharks 14. Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) 15. LHL Engineering 16. TAFTA 17. Natal Razor and Wire 18. Sky Tents 19. Imperial Armour 20. Bell Equipment ABOUT THE TOP BRAND With decades in the business, Mi7 National Group is a class leader in South Africa’s security cluster. The company, under the leadership of CEO Shadrach Rylan Karien, successfully integrates technology, people and knowledge to offer a full range of protective services to clients all over the country. Currently, the company is run across five branches nationwide: in Pietermaritzburg (head office); Secunda; Newcastle; Pretoria and Cape Town. Mi7 National Group prides itself on a public service model based on community duty. When the company initiated its armed response service in March 2021, it had to set itself apart in an already saturated market. The overall idea behind their security strategy is to create built environments, policies and operational procedures that enhance human safety and security, while preventing future crimes. They provide a robust selection of advanced security services, backed by the knowledge and expertise of their dedicated officers and innovative technology, including Realtime data and analytics, to meet security needs. This role is performed through the range of services on offer, including: site guarding and patrol, security consultancy and training, investigations, alarm monitoring, security installations, armed response, K9 services, surveillance, emergency medical and ambulance services, VIP protection, event security, priority escorts, crowd control and strike management, as well as bodyguarding. The Mi7 National Group are brand, image and values conscious, and their personnel are seamlessly integrated into the daily routine of the organisation they are serving and protecting. Making our world safe also means investing in opportunities to meet sustainability goals, diversity and inclusion goals, corporate responsibility, and other social infrastructure advances. Their mission is to exceed customer expectations through customised security solutions, built on a culture of service excellence, diligence, honesty and integrity.

This award is given to business activities involved in the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products. The finalists are: Bell Equipment MicroFinish Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry Champion Health Care Bell Equipment For almost seven decades Bell, southern Africa’s largest heavy equipment manufacturer and distributor, has been making a positive impact on the KZN economy. The company’s strength lies in its passion for innovation and a focus on providing reliable solutions. Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry Founded in 1963, Tropic Plastics and Packaging Industry is deeply rooted in Durban. Through great leadership, and improved technology, the company has become one of the leading blown film manufacturers in South Africa. MicroFinish Microfinish, a Pinetown based company, is a precision manufacturer of critical engine components, predominantly the engine valve guide and valve seat related to efficiency of the engine. 98% of production is exported to Europe, United Kingdom and the USA. Champion Health Care Champion Health Care, based in Durban, is a trailblazer in the field of medical manufacturing, dedicated to producing cutting-edge medical devices that improve patient outcomes. The company products include but are not limited to medical gausses, swabs and bandages.

This award is given to a business that incorporates activities that are primary engaged in farming activities. The beneficiation of goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry based sectors is included. Underberg Dairy (Pty) Ltd, from a vision and a concept during 2013, was established on 15th January 2014. After a development process, construction began on 7 July 2015 and production on the 3rd March 2016. A collaboration of 12 farmers formed Berg Dairies who partnered with Roman’s Pizza to produce top quality mozzarella, cheddar and gouda cheeses as well as butter and amazi. This partnership has enabled Underberg Dairy to become one of the top producers of mozzarella in South Africa, recently winning the South African Dairy Championship Qualité award. Underberg Dairy is possibly the largest employer in the Underberg area with a staff compliment of 230 dedicated employees whose lives they have changed. The dairy has had a massive impact on the social and financial structure of Underberg, contributing directly to the establishment of a local emergency medical service and to buying local as far as possible.

This award is for businesses earning more than R100M turn over per annum, and that bank with Standard Bank. The finalists are: Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund Royal Tyres P&A Fabricators SMG Hirsch’s Homestores Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund The Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund is a non-profit that has been synonymous with secure retirement services for over 80 years. The fund is responsible for providing retirement services to over 22000 municipal employees in all 55 municipalities across the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Royal Tyres Royal Tyres, one of KZN’s leading tyre specialists is also South Africa’s oldest tyre dealer and celebrates its 84th anniversary in 2023. The business has grown into a professionally run operation with the full range of passenger, commercial, truck and earth moving vehicle tyres. P&A Fabricators Currently led to new heights by Gerald Anthony, P&A Fabricators is an industry leader in the KZN region that has 52 years of experience in providing quality sheet metal solutions. SMG SMG is an automotive dealership brand that was launched by Sean McCarthy in 2003 and has grown from two dealerships to a network of 24 branches, as well as five Approved Repair Centres situated across KZN and the Western Cape. Hirsch’s Homestores Allan and Margaret Hirsch founded Hirsch’s in 1979 with just 900 rand. Since then and with a will to succeed, they have grown the company into a multibillion-rand organisation operating a number of home appliances stores.

We hope that you found the session informative and look forward to your entries. Kindly note category entries close on the 23 June. The Top Brand SMS voting opens on the 7 June and closes on the 16 July. If you have any queries please feel free to contact: Gayle Adlam gayle@mweb.co.za https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/