Search Results

BTCorp empowers your small business through a cashback benefit on your monthly fuel (diesel) spend. No matter the size of your fleet, your small, medium or micro enterprise (SMME) will receive savings off the pump price for the diesel purchased by you and your drivers. The year 2021 is set to be tough on budgets with many increases in daily living costs predicted. If your business has vehicles driving many kilometres daily, fuel is going to be one of your largest expenses. In addition, fuel prices change frequently, going up and down, due to a range of factors. The following changes took effect from Wednesday, 3 February: · Diesel 0.05%: increase of 58 cents per litre · Diesel 0.005%: increase of 59 cents per litre · Petrol: increase of 81 cents per litre Consequently, receiving a fuel discount is a simple way to save money on your business running costs, which is something every business needs. The BTCorp Fuel Management programme is for small businesses that are classified as SMMEs. Through BTCorp’s prepaid offer , you can obtain a minimum cashback of 70 cents per litre of diesel. Once your vehicle is registered on the programme your benefits are determined by the amount of fuel (diesel) dispensed into your vehicle/s. The difference between the pricing (zone-specific) and the displayed pump price will be reimbursed. The fuel must be purchased at a participating service station. BTCorp uses BP Windscreen Tag technology which eliminates credit risks. Details like driver details and odometer reading are captured for every purchase, so you can stop chasing down fuel receipts from your vehicles’ drivers. As a business owner you are able to manage your business’s fleet vehicles by monitoring and controlling employee spending. Ultimately, you would be able to easily account for every transaction, and drivers can plan every trip’s route efficiently and profitably. In order to register for the programme your business must be a South African business with an active bank account. Once your online application has been approved, you will receive a notification via SMS and email with your account details. You should then deposit the required activation fee into the specified bank account referencing your BTCorp account number. You will have the option to choose your nearest Pargo collection point to collect your windscreen tag/s. You can begin using your tag once you have deposited funds into your BTCorp account. The funds may take up to two working days to clear if deposited from a different bank. Your cashback will automatically be credited to your BTCorp account on the 15th of the new month. The BTCorp pre-paid platform is managed by a dedicated BTCorp customer service centre team. Simply re-fuel your vehicle at a participating service station and start saving.

Join Morar Incorporated as they unpack the 2021 National Budget Speech with special guest speaker and expert panelist - The Director-General of National Treasury, Mr Dondo Mogajane. Click HERE to register.

Standard Bank KwaZuluNatal has announced that the bank will again sponsor the KZN Top Business Awards in 2021. The event will boast a hybrid presentation format and include new categories that recognise the impact of Covid -19 on the people and economy of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Currently, the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal team is capably led by Head Consumer Client Coverage, Imraan Noorbhai and Head Business Clients Coverage, Hameed Noormahomed. “As a leading financial services partner, we understand that our commercial success, social relevance and sustainability over the long term depends on our team having a deep understanding of the business sector in KwaZulu-Natal. We are a catalyst for much needed economic growth and job creation in our province. Our sponsorship of the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards allows the bank to share in the achievements of the business sector and to inspire more businesses to demonstrate excellence, which is good news for KZN,” said Noormahomed. “The global pandemic has created very difficult times for many of our businesses. We believe that in response to Covid-19, recognising and rewarding business excellence is even more important and that this event will provide the appropriate platform to do so in KwaZulu-Natal. As such we are pleased to announce that they will again sponsor the KZN Top Business Awards in 2021,” commented Noorbhai. Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business said, “We are proud to be once again partnering with Standard Bank to present the KZN Top Business Awards. In common with many businesses, Standard Bank has had a challenging time and it speaks to the strength of their relationship with the business community that they are supporting the KZN Top Business Awards as the major sponsor in 2021.” The impact of Covid-19 persists in South Africa, where the number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. In addition, the ongoing effect of Covid-19 on our lives and businesses is expected to continue during 2021. In the light of these facts, the 2021 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards ceremony will be a hybrid awards ceremony, which will allow for both a limited number of people to attend in person, and for the event to be streamed. A streamed component has the advantage of enabling a much wider audience to participate in the awards’ ceremony. “We know how much the Awards mean to businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and we have found a way to deliver an awards programme with the prestige and excitement that our business community has come to expect,” explains Noormahomed. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards traditionally acknowledge business success, innovation, and ethical practice. In particular, the awards recognise companies and organisations that integrate responsible business practice into their mainstream operations, which result in a positive impact in the marketplace, environment, community, and workplace, creating a better life for all in KwaZulu-Natal. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges, different opportunities, and changed ways of working for employees and employers. Many businesses have been forced to embrace new technologies and innovate both their service delivery and products to prosper. Significantly, businesses have done so with excellence and with full cognisance of the responsibility that they have to all their stakeholders. Consequently, the categories to be awarded in 2021 have been revised and will recognise the achievements of individuals and companies in KwaZuluNatal in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The nine categories are as follows: 1. BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader’s award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. 2. BUSINESS INNOVATION For businesses that can demonstrate an innovative or inventive approach to people, products, or processes, which has contributed to the success of the business. 3. ENTREPRENEUR RESILIENCE This award is aimed at young business leaders who have shown exceptional leadership and exhibited entrepreneurial flair. 4. DIGITAL/SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION The winner of this award will be innovating in the digital sector to provide customers with results that have real impact. This award is for those businesses that employ digital thinking and technologies for client engagement. 5. EMPLOYEE WELLBEING This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage with their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding. 6. SMALL BUSINESS START-UP This award recognises startup businesses in 2020 that have translated an idea into a successful business venture in response to Covid-19. 7. COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE This award is open to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community and region they operate in. 8. FAMILY BUSINESS Open to businesses where the majority ownership remains within a family (or multi-family) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business. 9. KZN TOP BRAND The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only the results of a poll. In 2021 this process will be managed through a SMS voting system. “These categories give us an important opportunity to do things differently. Through the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2021 we want to share the stories of success in KZN,” said Adlam. “Furthermore, the new format of the awards emphasizes that “It can be” which is Standard Bank’s slogan,” concluded Noorbhai. Entries for the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards will open on 1 March 2021 and close on the 14 May 2021. The event will be held on the 10 June 2021. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for more information or email gayle@mweb.co.za .

When you become a member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), you are offered access to an established network where legitimate business can meet and engage. The Durban Chamber’s strategic purpose is to help create a conducive business environment that facilitates and promotes economic growth in the region. For this reason, the Durban Chamber offers its members a bouquet of exclusive business benefits. These deals were created to provide members with another service to add value to their Chamber membership. This programme offers a unique combination of promoting member to member buying, boosting sales for members, and increasing member visibility. “In the current challenging economic environment, no business, no matter the size or industry, is immune to the operational and revenue pressures being experienced across business sectors,” said Durban Chamber CEO, Palesa Phili. During 2020, the Durban Chamber worked on an exclusive business benefits package for active Chamber members to include a total of 24 valueadding benefits, which were based on member input and requests. The Chamber has negotiated these agreements to provide exclusive benefits valued in excess of R50 million, an unprecedented injection of direct value into member businesses. The benefits are offered in the form of preferential pricing or discounts as well as free service opportunities. By taking advantage of the business benefits tremendous savings on doing business is possible. Benefits offered such as discounts on new vehicles, tyres, hotel accommodation, car hire, vehicle services, catering, coaching, and training can help you save hundreds, if not thousands of Rands every year. “As part of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s ongoing support to a member network of approximately 3 000 SMMEs and 54,000 informal businesses in eThekwini and beyond, we have looked for value-adding benefits, securing tangible value that will alleviate pressure on the bottom line of our member businesses,” explained Phili. “The Durban Chamber Business Benefits will assist many businesses in the eThekwini business ecosystem in regenerating their productivity levels as we enter 2021. The rewards programme between members is also available for all employees who apply their skills and services to Durban Chamber members. By simply downloading the Durban Chamber App you will have a full spectra of Business Benefit rewards at your disposal. Allowing you to; increase financial benefits through member – to – member sales, decrease expenditure through discounted prices whilst increasing member – to – member networking.” Over the year, this member benefit programme has continued to evolve with more benefits being offered by participating Chamber members. Other new benefits are currently being negotiated, which will offer some exciting discounts to members. However, currently many of the benefits that have been negotiated are not being fully utilised by members. Consequently, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working towards ensuring that all Chamber members are aware of and can easily access the range of benefits. To this end the Durban Chamber Mobi app will be used as a platform to both promote and access the member benefits. An added platform to ensure that all required control measures is currently under development, and will be launched in January 2021. A further ‘referral benefit’ being developed will reward Chamber members who refer other members to a service provider once a transaction is successfully concluded. Member to member referrals and benefits are a great way to attract new customers, build relationships with current customers, save money and strengthen our economy. To participate as a supplier in the benefits programme, your business must be a member in good standing of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Please www.durbanchamber.mobi to see the current benefits available from participating members. For more information, please contact tracy@topbusiness.co.za http://www.durbanchamber.mobi/HOME/ #DurbanBusinessesBenefit

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has warned small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives against sending proposals and paying administration fees for the preapproval of funds to agencies. The department said cybercriminals use national crises and emergencies such as the current COVID-19 pandemic to prey on unsuspecting victims. “Their modus operandi includes identity theft and pretending, through fake emails, to be representatives of government departments and agencies. The department wishes to remind the public that all funding application processes are on its official websites,” the department said. The department has advised the small business sector not to utilise social media platforms to accept any applications. Access to services for SMMEs and Co-operatives is free. Any SMME or Co-operative who receives such a request must immediately report the incident to our DSBD Hotline 086 677 7867 or send an e-mail to info@dsbd.gov.za Valid information on the sector can be found on www.dsbd.gov.za ; www.sefa.org.za ; www.seda.org.za ; www.mybindu.org.za SMMEs and Co-operatives are encouraged to register their businesses on www.smmesa.gov. za and funding applications can be done at www.eservices.gov.za

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Minara Chamber of Commerce (MCC), South Africa and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Pakistan was signed on 10 November 2020. Mr Osman Ashraf, senior vice president of RCCI, while addressing the chamber representatives at the occasion, echoed their commitment to help local businesses in Pakistan to connect with international companies and chambers thus encouraging international trade. RCCI also invited the MCC, to visit Pakistan for an Expo organised by RCCI scheduled from 31 March 2021 to 5 April 2021. Mr Asgar Mahomed, Deputy Vice-President MCC informed on the occasion that MCC make efforts to promote businesses based on Islamic values in South Africa. The Chamber also expressed interest in facilitating trade delegations from Pakistan in order to strengthen trade ties with the Pakistani business community. The Commercial Secretary from the Trade Commission of Pakistan appreciated the efforts made by the both chambers of commerce to sign the agreement and facilitate trade between the two countries. The ceremony closed with commitments from both sides to facilitate and enhance trade relations between the members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Minara Chamber of Commerce. Tel: +27 (0)31 208 1898 E: kzn@minara.org.za / gtn@minara.org.za W: www.minara.org.za #grantadlam #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness #zambeZZi

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry commends the Government for its unwavering focus on the preservation of lives as a primary objective in the ongoing pandemic context. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to highlight the following issues: Infrastructure The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauds the President on committing resource towards the N3 highway. The KZN economy is extremely reliant on the logistics sector, with the N3 corridor being a major trade route connecting our two harbours to the SADC region. It is our hope that the transportation and logistics sector will thrive with the new upgrades. Eskom The Durban Chamber believes there is an urgent need to reform and diversify South Africa’s energy sector. We are pleased by President Ramaphosa’s announcement that government will action crucial steps that will enable to revive Eskom. However, we are concerned about the forecasted electricity supply shortfall over the next 5 years which will be detrimental to the economy and energy-dependent businesses. The business community anxiously awaits government’s timeline for the implementation of the promised initiatives and plans, including proposals on how organised business can support the government to action these plans. SOEs State-owned enterprises (SOEs) hold a significant position in South Africa’s economy, playing a leading role in several crucial sectors such as utilities (electricity and water), transport (air, rail, freight, and pipelines) and telecommunications. However, despite being vital to our national socio-economic agenda, South Africa’s SOEs are in a state of financial and operational collapse, suffering from chronic mismanagement, plagued by ongoing corruption and characterised by a complete lack of adherence to effective governance and compliance frameworks. This is severely impacting the country’s economy and investment profile as well as negatively affecting our country’s growth and development prospects. We are encouraged to note that government will be implementing a centralised SOE model which will ensure a standardised governance, financial management and operational performance framework for all SOEs and look forward to receiving progress reports concerning the effectiveness of this approach. Port of Durban The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry notes the President’s remarks to reposition Durban as a hub port for the southern hemisphere. Whilst this sounds promising, we believe there is an urgent need to attend to port security, operational inefficiencies and the competitiveness of the Port of Durban. Timelines on resolution are key in this regard. Furthermore, the decision to relocate Transnet Head Office to the Eastern Cape does not appear to support the President’s remarks. We believe that a more rigorous and transparent approach should have been employed to identify the ideal location for Transnet’s new Head Office, informed by a sound assessment of where each city’s relative competitive advantages lie. We are dismayed to learn that the container terminal is now to be moved to Nqura port, which opens up great risk for KZN’s investment profile. Corruption The Durban Chamber acknowledges the President’s comments on tackling the issue of corruption. Corruption and state capture are a serious economic crime in South Africa that significantly exacerbates our socioeconomic challenges. However, until the criminals involved in state capture and corruption suffer severe consequences for their acts of economic sabotage, then there will be no real change in the status quo. Contact the Durban Chamber on: T: +27 (0)31 335 1000 E: info@durbanchamber.co.za W: www.durbanchamber.co.za

When you become a member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), you are offered access to an established network where legitimate business can meet and engage. The Durban Chamber’s strategic purpose is to help create a conducive business environment that facilitates and promotes economic growth in the region. For this reason, the Durban Chamber offers its members a bouquet of exclusive business benefits. These deals were created to provide members with another service to add value to their Chamber membership. This programme offers a unique combination of promoting member to member buying, boosting sales for members, and increasing member visibility. “In the current challenging economic environment, no business, no matter the size or industry, is immune to the operational and revenue pressures being experienced across business sectors,” said Durban Chamber CEO, Palesa Phili. During 2020, the Durban Chamber worked on an exclusive business benefits package for active Chamber members to include a total of 24 value-adding benefits, which were based on member input and requests. The Chamber has negotiated these agreements to provide exclusive benefits valued in excess of R50 million, an unprecedented injection of direct value into member businesses. The benefits are offered in the form of preferential pricing or discounts as well as free service opportunities. By taking advantage of the business benefits tremendous savings on doing business is possible. Benefits offered such as discounts on new vehicles, tyres, hotel accommodation, car hire, vehicle services, catering, coaching, and training can help you save hundreds, if not thousands of Rands every year. “As part of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s ongoing support to a member network of approximately 3 000 SMMEs and 54,000 informal businesses in eThekwini and beyond, we have looked for value-adding benefits, securing tangible value that will alleviate pressure on the bottom line of our member businesses,” explained Phili. “The Durban Chamber Business Benefits will assist many businesses in the eThekwini business ecosystem in regenerating their productivity levels as we enter 2021. The rewards programme between members is also available for all employees who apply their skills and services to Durban Chamber members. By simply downloading the Durban Chamber App you will have a full spectra of Business Benefit rewards at your disposal. Allowing you to; increase financial benefits through member – to – member sales, decrease expenditure through discounted prices whilst increasing member – to – member networking.” Over the year, this member benefit programme has continued to evolve with more benefits being offered by participating Chamber members. Other new benefits are currently being negotiated, which will offer some exciting discounts to members. However, currently many of the benefits that have been negotiated are not being fully utilised by members. Consequently, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working towards ensuring that all Chamber members are aware of and can easily access the range of benefits. To this end the Durban Chamber Mobi app will be used as a platform to both promote and access the member benefits. An added platform to ensure that all required control measures is currently under development and will be launched in February 2021. A further ‘referral benefit’ being developed will reward Chamber members who refer other members to a service provider once a transaction is successfully concluded. Member to member referrals and benefits are a great way to attract new customers, build relationships with current customers, save money and strengthen our economy. To participate as a supplier in the benefits programme, your business must be a member in good standing of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Please visit page 10 and 11 to see the current benefits available from participating members. For more information, please contact tracy@topbusiness.co.za or benefits@durbanchamber.co.za

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Minara Chamber of Commerce (MCC), South Africa and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Pakistan was signed on 10 November 2020. Mr Osman Ashraf, senior vice president of RCCI, while addressing the chamber representatives at the occasion, echoed their commitment to help local businesses in Pakistan to connect with international companies and chambers thus encouraging international trade. RCCI also invited the MCC, to visit Pakistan for an Expo organised by RCCI scheduled from 31 March 2021 to 5 April 2021. Mr Asgar Mahomed, Deputy Vice-President MCC informed on the occasion that MCC make efforts to promote businesses based on Islamic values in South Africa. The Chamber also expressed interest in facilitating trade delegations from Pakistan in order to strengthen trade ties with the Pakistani business community. The Commercial Secretary from the Trade Commission of Pakistan appreciated the efforts made by the both chambers of commerce to sign the agreement and facilitate trade between the two countries. The ceremony closed with commitments from both sides to facilitate and enhance trade relations between the members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Minara Chamber of Commerce. Tel: +27 (0)31 208 1898 E: kzn@minara.org.za / gtn@minara.org.za W: www.minara.org.za

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has warned small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives against sending proposals and paying administration fees for the preapproval of funds to agencies. The department said cybercriminals use national crises and emergencies such as the current COVID-19 pandemic to prey on unsuspecting victims. “Their modus operandi includes identity theft and pretending, through fake emails, to be representatives of government departments and agencies. The department wishes to remind the public that all funding application processes are on its official websites,” the department said. The department has advised the small business sector not to utilise social media platforms to accept any applications. Access to services for SMMEs and Co-operatives is free. Any SMME or Co-operative who receives such a request must immediately report the incident to our DSBD Hotline 086 677 7867 or send an e-mail to info@dsbd.gov.za . Valid information on the sector can be found on www.dsbd.gov.za ; www.sefa.org.za; www.seda.org.za ; www.mybindu.org.za . SMMEs and Co-operatives are encouraged to register their businesses on www.smmesa.gov.za and funding applications can be done at www.eservices.gov.za .

PALESA PHILI became the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after a very successful corporate career. This included being in an executive role with a computer company looking after the organisation’s services in the southern, eastern, and central regions of Africa, being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KZN and then the regional head for MTN. DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate, which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region. The Durban Chamber identifies government policy relevant to organised business in Durban by amplifying core issues that impact on business with short, medium - and long-term perspectives. At the heart of this unit are industry-specific forums and area forums (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central) that engage on a monthly or bi-quarterly base. “Our forums provide the coal face of interaction between our members and the Durban Chamber. This is where we get city officials and provincial policy makers to interact with our members in terms of any plans that are being put in place as well as business opportunities that are available,” says Palesa. Advocacy is central to the role the Chamber plays and partnership approaches to complex and problematic issues affecting business are promoted. The Chamber’s extensive networks also connect members both with local and international organisations. Success is inspirational Palesa attributes her success and where she is today to her Christian faith, hard work, and dedication. Numerous people assisted her along the way, and she has had several different mentors for different aspects of her career and life who have helped her achieve her goals. Success inspires Palesa. She adds, “One does not want to be around something that is negative or does not work.” Successful people across the country and across the world attract her attention and inspire her. “I try to see what I can do personally, in my own way, to add to the betterment of my city, my province, my country, and the world at large.” Keep your eye on the ball, the rules for women are different “Women definitely need to approach business differently to men,” says Palesa. And thinks the existence of “The Boy’s Club out there” cannot be denied and that women cannot fit into the club. “As a woman, typically, as you grow in your career, as you go higher, you become more of a loner as there are very few women up there.” Palesa adds that males are still in the majority at the top of the corporate world and that the rules for women are very different. “As a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve.” Palesa says one of her mentors told her that one is at work to do work, not to make friends, and you need to make sure the job gets done. Her advice to women is, “When you encounter corporate politics, it is important to keep your eye on the ball, understand the rules are different for you as a woman, and then you should be fine.” As she is a wife and the mother of two boys, achieving a work-life balance is not easy for Palesa. She says she is too busy to attend social gatherings like breakfasts for moms or personally dropping her boys off at school. However, Palesa is fortunate that her husband helps with most of the parental tasks. Her support structure is important to her. “Without assistance, I would not be able to do everything I need to do and achieve a work-life balance,” she adds. Looking back at younger self, Palesa would advise herself not to take things at face value but to analyse situations and ensure that she makes the right decisions. She explains that she would react spontaneously when she was young, so she would tell herself to listen more before making decisions. There is much more to achieve Palesa says that if she looks back at her corporate background, what she achieved was mostly target driven to make profits for an organisation. Her involvement with the Chamber does, however, give her a greater purpose and this enables her to achieve more. The Chamber enables her to make a difference and impact on many people. Palesa explains, “I always had a thing in me, even when growing up, to give back. In everything I do, I try and give back in my own small way. I would like to look back in five years from now and say this is the number of jobs I helped to create, and this is the number of entrepreneurs I have assisted to grow and get where they are.” Palesa concluded that she would like to see measurable growth, and only once she gets there would she be happy with what she has achieved.

Standard Bank KwaZuluNatal has announced that the bank will again sponsor the KZN Top Business Awards in 2021. The event will boast a hybrid presentation format and include new categories that recognise the impact of Covid -19 on the people and economy of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Currently, the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal team is capably led by Head Consumer Client Coverage, Imraan Noorbhai and Head Business Clients Coverage, Hameed Noormahomed. “As a leading financial services partner, we understand that our commercial success, social relevance and sustainability over the long term depends on our team having a deep understanding of the business sector in KwaZulu-Natal. We are a catalyst for much needed economic growth and job creation in our province. Our sponsorship of the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards allows the bank to share in the achievements of the business sector and to inspire more businesses to demonstrate excellence, which is good news for KZN,” said Noormahomed. “The global pandemic has created very difficult times for many of our businesses. We believe that in response to Covid-19, recognising and rewarding business excellence is even more important and that this event will provide the appropriate platform to do so in KwaZulu-Natal. As such we are pleased to announce that they will again sponsor the KZN Top Business Awards in 2021,” commented Noorbhai. Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business said, “We are proud to be once again partnering with Standard Bank to present the KZN Top Business Awards. In common with many businesses, Standard Bank has had a challenging time and it speaks to the strength of their relationship with the business community that they are supporting the KZN Top Business Awards as the major sponsor in 2021.” The impact of Covid-19 persists in South Africa, where the number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. In addition, the ongoing effect of Covid-19 on our lives and businesses is expected to continue during 2021. In the light of these facts, the 2021 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards ceremony will be a hybrid awards ceremony, which will allow for both a limited number of people to attend in person, and for the event to be streamed. A streamed component has the advantage of enabling a much wider audience to participate in the awards’ ceremony. “We know how much the Awards mean to businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and we have found a way to deliver an awards programme with the prestige and excitement that our business community has come to expect,” explains Noormahomed. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards traditionally acknowledge business success, innovation, and ethical practice. In particular, the awards recognise companies and organisations that integrate responsible business practice into their mainstream operations, which result in a positive impact in the marketplace, environment, community, and workplace, creating a better life for all in KwaZulu-Natal. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges, different opportunities, and changed ways of working for employees and employers. Many businesses have been forced to embrace new technologies and innovate both their service delivery and products to prosper. Significantly, businesses have done so with excellence and with full cognisance of the responsibility that they have to all their stakeholders. Consequently, the categories to be awarded in 2021 have been revised and will recognise the achievements of individuals and companies in KwaZulu-Natal in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The nine categories are as follows: 1. BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader’s award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. 2. BUSINESS INNOVATION For businesses that can demonstrate an innovative or inventive approach to people, products, or processes, which has contributed to the success of the business. 3. ENTREPRENEUR RESILIENCE This award is aimed at young business leaders who have shown exceptional leadership and exhibited entrepreneurial flair. 4. DIGITAL/SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION The winner of this award will be innovating in the digital sector to provide customers with results that have real impact. This award is for those businesses that employ digital thinking and technologies for client engagement. 5. EMPLOYEE WELLBEING This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage with their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding. 6. SMALL BUSINESS START-UP This award recognises start-up businesses in 2020 that have translated an idea into a successful business venture in response to Covid-19. 7. COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE This award is open to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community and region they operate in. 8. FAMILY BUSINESS Open to businesses where the majority ownership remains within a family (or multi-family) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business. 9. KZN TOP BRAND The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only the results of a poll. In 2021 this process will be managed through a SMS voting system. “These categories give us an important opportunity to do things differently. Through the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2021 we want to share the stories of success in KZN,” said Adlam. “Furthermore, the new format of the awards emphasizes that “It can be” which is Standard Bank’s slogan,” concluded Noorbhai. Entries for the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards will open on 1 March 2021 and close on the 14 May 2021. The event will be held on the 10 June 2021. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for more information or email gayle@mweb.co.za