The KZN Top Business Brand Awards, brought to you by Standard Bank and WOA Group, are back—and this year’s competition is fiercer than ever! Every year, KZN’s most beloved and respected brands battle it out for the prestigious title of KZN Top Brand. This award celebrates more than just recognition—it honours resilience, innovation, and the powerful connection that brands build with their communities. These are the brands that make an impact—inspiring loyalty, trust, and pride in KwaZulu-Natal. They’re the names you see, hear, and experience every day—the ones that spark emotion and leave a lasting impression. So, have you voted yet? Time is ticking and voting closes on 28 June at 10 pm! Make sure your voice counts in helping crown the next KZN Top Business Brand 2025. Meet the brands in the running (alphabetical order): Afros Aquelle Ardmore Bata Beekman Group Bell Equipment Bluff Meat Supply Cox Yeats Attorneys Durban ICC East Coast Radio Fordoun Hotel and Spa Gagasi FM Hirsch's Hollywoodbets Hulamin Icebolethu Group Imperial Armour Oyster Box Plastimed Royal Tyres SA Home Loans Sky Tents SRF Flexipak SA Supertech Group Tafta TakkieWashSA The Sharks Toyota Tyson Properties uShaka Marine World   How You Can Support Your Favourite Brand: Cast your vote today at www.kzntopbusiness.com Share the voting link on your social media channels Encourage your employees, clients, family, friends, and community to join in Remember: Only one vote per email is allowed to keep things fair!   Be part of the  journey and watch for the next  announcement on Monday 16 June to see who is in the lead. The winner will be announced at the KZN Top Business Awards Dinner on 17 July 2025. Vote now—because the brand you love deserves to win!

Tuesday 10 June 2025. Time is running out! The KZN Top Business Awards 2025, brought to you by Standard Bank and the WOA Group, are fast approaching the closing date for entries. KwaZulu-Natal businesses have until 20 June 2025 to submit their entries and be recognised among the province’s best. These prestigious awards honour excellence across a broad range of sectors, showcasing businesses – both large and small – that are making a significant impact in KZN. “The KZN Top Business Awards are more than just accolades, they’re a powerful platform for growth, credibility, and connection. The awards are not just about competing, it’s about celebrating your journey, and showcasing your impact in KwaZulu- Natal,” said Pria Hassan, CEO, WOA Group. Imraan Noorbhai, Head Client Coverage PPB Standard Bank KZN commented, “At Standard Bank, we believe that recognising excellence is not only about celebrating past achievements – it's about inspiring future growth as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of 2025. I encourage all eligible businesses to submit their entries for the KZN Top Business Awards 2025 and join a prestigious network of business leaders shaping the future of our province. We are proud to be your partner in progress, supporting the ambitions that drive the retail industry and the African continent forward.” Past winners have included:  Steelco – Standard Bank Client of the Year (SME)  Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund – Standard Bank Client of the Year (Larger Enterprise)  Sumitomo Rubber South Africa – Manufacturing Sector  Grindrod Limited – Transport/Logistics Sector  RE/MAX Coast and Country – Franchising Sector  Royal Tyres – Family Owned/Managed Business  Agrikool – Agriculture and Agri-Processing  Inspired Financial Management Solutions – Business, Finance and Education  SA Home Loans – Community Upliftment and Improvement  SAMAC Engineering Solutions – Renewable Efficiency/Green Initiatives  Beekman Group – Employee Wellness  Do More Foundation – Partnership  Mi7 National Group – Top Brand Last year’s KZN Top Business Leader of the Year was Brian Howarth, chairman of Magnet, recognised for over 30 years of exceptional leadership in industrial and commercial energy solutions. Get Involved – No Entry Fee! There is no cost to enter, and all KZN businesses are encouraged to submit their applications. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for criteria, category information, and submission guidelines. Cast Your Vote – KZN Top Business Brand Public voting for the highly contested Top Brand Award is open and gaining momentum! One vote per email address is allowed, and every vote counts. Voting closes on 29 June 2025 at 10:00 p.m. To cast your vote visit www.kzntopbusiness.com Businesses are encouraged to rally support through social media to encourage clients, employees, friends, and communities to vote. Finalists will be profiled across multiple platforms and winners will be celebrated at the gala dinner on 17 July 2025. “Don’t miss the opportunity to shine – enter now and be recognised as one of KwaZulu- Natal’s top businesses,” concluded Grant Adlam, CEO, KZN Top Business. For more information contact Gayle Adlam on 0836530465 or gayle@mweb.co.za Stay connected with the KZN Top Business Awards through: Facebook page www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness Twitter https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkzntopbusiness LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kzntopbusiness Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kzntopbusiness/ Media Enquiries Zukelwa Solomon zukelwa.solomon@standardbank.co.za  +27 (61) 014-7098

KZN Top Business - Business Sense: Interview with Sbu Maphumulo from Fusion Data Fusion Data’s managing director Sbu Maphumulo chats about how their IT company offers a complete range of affordable solutions and fantastic support for both businesses and home office clients. At the heart of what they do are trust, reliability, and making sure their customers are happy. Key Takeaways - Fusion Data takes care of everything IT-related—whether it’s cabling, setting up servers, or supplying all the computers, printers, and phones you need. They make sure you’re ready to get started and keep things running smoothly. - They create their services to fit both big corporate offices and people working from home, keeping up with changing needs, especially as more people work remotely. - Every solution is designed to give the most value without cutting corners, and they always stick closely to what the client wants and needs. - You can always count on their responsive support. If something goes wrong, their team is quick to jump in and sort it out. - Fusion Data’s good name comes from building trust and getting referrals—just like the interviewer, who first heard about them through a recommendation. - Happy customers often mention how reliable Fusion Data is and how willing they are to help, even going the extra mile for things like picking up and returning hardware quickly. - Fusion Data stands out as a dependable, one-stop shop for all sorts of IT needs, showing real dedication to great service and making their clients’ lives easier. ......it just makes Business Senses Sbu Maphumulo +27 73 638 1881 www.fusiondata.co.za Sbu Maphumulo Business Sense: Interview with Sbu Maphumulo

The official opening of the Sappi Forestry Skills Centre in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal recently, marked a major step in shaping a future of opportunity for those working in the industry.  Designed to equip workers with specialised, hands-on forestry training, the Centre embodies Sappi’s drive to nurture skills, create opportunities, and empower local communities through education.    With skills development at the heart of Sappi’s sustainability journey, the Centre directly supports SDG4 (Quality Education) by providing structured learning that goes beyond theory—ensuring forestry professionals gain practical expertise to thrive in an evolving industry. It also strengthens Sappi’s workforce and sustainability impact, aligning with SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).    Investing in people, investing in progress      Reflecting on the milestone, Sappi SSA CEO Graeme Wild shared:  "At Sappi, we believe that investing in skills is investing in sustainability. The opening of this centre is a testament to our commitment to education, training, and long-term empowerment—not just for our workforce but for the entire forestry value chain."      Beyond the achievement of establishing this centre, the opening was also deeply nostalgic for Graeme, who returned to familiar ground. Illovo Neck, where the centre is located, is the plantation where he began his career as a young forester at Sappi. Walking onto the site wasn’t just an official visit—it was a homecoming.    That sentiment carried through as Graeme, James Manana, and Duane Roothman—who all started their careers at Sappi together—walked the red carpet to cut the ribbon. Today, James is VP of Human Resources, Duane is VP of Sappi Forests, and Graeme leads the company, but the bonds forged in their early days and their shared passion for forestry remain unchanged.    There was an especially touching moment when Graeme reunited with his former fire-tender operator, Nhlanhla Mhlekazi Phoswa, a man who, in years past, stood side by side with him in the field. Today, that same operator is a successful local Sappi contractor—a further testament to how skills, opportunity, and dedication can shape remarkable success stories.      Building beyond forestry expertise      The Centre is set to become a practical hub for both new forestry entrants and the ongoing technical development of foresters, forest managers, and contractors. By integrating Sappi training material, it ensures accessible, high-quality, and industry-relevant learning for professionals across all levels.   Since 1 October 2024, 402 people have already attended training, accumulating an impressive 8,746 training hours. Among these, 32 training interventions required participants to stay at the centre for periods ranging from two to fifteen days, with its comfortable and functional living quarters providing an ideal environment for extended learning.    Beyond shaping the next generation of forestry professionals, the Centre plays a crucial role in honing technical expertise within the industry. It supports internal capacity-building, ensuring Sappi’s forestry teams and contractors remain at the forefront of best practices. Looking ahead, the centre’s impact will expand even further, with plans to introduce carpentry training for local youth, focused on manufacturing beehives and essential furniture, both scarce yet highly needed resources in the Richmond area.    Reflecting on the significance of the Centre, Duane Roothman, VP of Sappi Forests, emphasised its role in the forestry value chain:  "Forestry doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s a vital link in the chain of sustainability, conservation, and economic growth. This training centre ensures that we cultivate the right skills for long-term success, and through partnerships like Agricolleges, we are widening access to education and expertise that will shape the future of our industry."       Bringing the Forestry Skills Centre to life was no small feat. It required dedication, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that upskilling is key to a thriving industry. Melanie Jacobs, Global Process Owner: Talent, Performance and Learning, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement:  "Seeing this centre become a reality is truly special. It’s not just about classrooms or courses—it’s about creating meaningful impact for the individuals who will train here, for their families, and for the future of forestry."      For Skills Centre Manager Sydney Sikhosane and his team, this milestone is the culmination of a labour of love—meticulously restoring the derelict training site, piece by piece, as funds became available. The centre builds on the legacy of dedicated mentorship from veteran forester Tim Netterville, honouring his commitment to training generations of forestry professionals and stands as a beacon of learning, dedicated to technical forestry training for Sappi employees, contractors, and Khulisa growers. It’s more than bricks and mortar—it’s about empowering people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.        Sappi’s commitment to skills development isn’t just about training—it’s about giving people real opportunities to succeed. And that’s exactly why its Skills Centre slogan—    " Sinikeza abantu amathuba okuphumelela " (Giving people opportunities to succeed)—was more than just words on the day—it was a promise in action.

Entries Now Open for the KZN Top Business Awards 2025 Brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group Durban, 26 May 2025. KwaZulu-Natal continues to cement its role as a dynamic engine of economic growth in South Africa. From major developments at the Durban and Richards Bay Ports—Africa’s busiest maritime gateways—to investment in agro- processing, manufacturing, digital innovation, and tourism, the province is brimming with opportunity and transformation. The KZN Top Business Awards 2025 celebrate the innovation, resilience, and success that define our regional economy. Proudly brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa (WOA) Group, these prestigious awards highlight the businesses and individuals who are driving KwaZulu-Natal forward. “Our continued support of the KZN Top Business Awards is grounded in our role as a trusted partner for client growth. As businesses across KwaZulu-Natal continue to start, manage, and grow their operations, we remain committed to enabling their success through human-led but digitally-enabled relationship management, relevant and targeted solutions, as well as the strength of our established African and international footprint,” affirms Rishaad Webster, KZN Provincial Head for Business Banking at Standard Bank. Entries are officially open and will close on 13 June 2025, with winners announced at a glittering gala dinner on 17 July 2025. There is no cost to enter, making this an inclusive platform for businesses across all sectors. Now is the time for KwaZulu-Natal’s top-performing organisations—from start-ups to industry leaders—to showcase their achievements and contributions to the province’s development. Whether you operate in manufacturing, logistics, finance, agriculture, or community development, your story deserves to be told. 2025 Award Categories Include:  Manufacturing  Transport and Logistics  Business, Financial Services & Education  Agriculture and Agri-processing  Franchising  Family-Owned/Managed Business  Green Energy Initiatives  Employee Wellness  Social & Community Responsibility In addition, there will be special recognitions, including:  Standard Bank Client of the Year  WOA Award for a Women-Run Business  The Partnership Award for outstanding inter-agency collaboration  KZN Top Brand Award, decided by public vote  The highlight of the evening: The Business Leader’s Award, honouring exceptional leadership and industry impact. Why Enter? This is more than just an award. It’s a powerful opportunity to:  Gain provincial and national recognition  Build your business reputation  Celebrate your team’s hard work and innovation  Inspire others in the business community Entries must demonstrate alignment with King IV principles: ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy—emphasising your organisation’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Pria Hassan CEO of the WOA Group concluded, “The KZN Top Business Awards not only showcase business success but allow you to identify with other businesses that align with the same proactive culture and solid values. All dreams are possible with the right amount of energy and drive. Therefore, I urge all qualifying businesses to get involved, get recognised and be celebrated.” Submit your entry today at www.kzntopbusiness.com For more information contact Gayle Adlam at gayle@mweb.co.za or 0836530465 Stay connected with the KZN Top Business Awards through: Facebook page www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness Twitter https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkzntopbusiness LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kzntopbusiness Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kzntopbusiness/ Media enquiries Nkosinathi Msiza 083 577 7585 Nkosinathi.Msiza@standardbank.co.za

Gold mining often faces challenges when dealing with hard rock layers that cover valuable gold reefs. Traditional blasting methods may be restricted due to safety or environmental regulations, requiring alternative solutions to access the gold-rich deposits. The Kobelco SK520XDLC-10 excavator, equipped with a powerful hydraulic breaker, offers a practical and efficient way to break through tough quartzite layers without blasting. One of our gold mining customers recently received a new SK520XDLC-10 fitted with a 3.8-ton hydraulic breaker, delivered by Johannesburg-based Sales Representative Chris Botha. This machine is designed to handle the demanding task of breaking quartzite to expose the underlying gold reef, making it an essential asset for mining operations where blasting is not an option. Kobelco SK520XDLC-10 breaking quartzite to expose gold reef Why the SK520XDLC-10 Excels in Gold Mining The SK520XDLC-10 stands out because of its combination of power, versatility, and ease of use. Here are some key reasons why it is the preferred choice for gold mining operations: Powerful Hydraulic Breaker The 3.8-ton hydraulic breaker attached to the excavator delivers strong impact force, capable of breaking through hard quartzite layers efficiently. This eliminates the need for blasting, which may be restricted in certain mining areas. Simple Attachment Process Kobelco designs its excavators with standard auxiliary hydraulic piping and a high-flow auxiliary line. This setup allows operators to fit and control attachments like hydraulic hammers directly from the cab, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Cost-Effective Operation Running attachments on the SK520XDLC-10 is efficient, helping mining companies reduce operational costs. The machine’s hydraulic system is optimized to provide the right flow and pressure, ensuring the breaker works at peak performance without wasting fuel or causing excessive wear. Durability and Reliability Mining environments are tough, but the SK520XDLC-10 is built to withstand harsh conditions. Its robust construction and reliable components mean less maintenance and more uptime, critical for meeting production targets. How the SK520XDLC-10 Fits into Mining Workflows In gold mining, exposing the gold-rich reef beneath quartzite requires careful planning and execution. The SK520XDLC-10 fits seamlessly into this workflow: Site Preparation The excavator can clear loose debris and prepare the site for breaking operations. Breaking Quartzite Layer Using the hydraulic breaker, the machine systematically breaks the quartzite layer, creating access points to the gold reef. Material Handling After breaking, the excavator can load broken rock into haul trucks or conveyors for removal. Continuous Operation The ease of attachment control and machine reliability allow for continuous operation, minimizing delays. This workflow ensures that mining teams can work safely and efficiently without relying on blasting, which may pose risks or regulatory challenges. Practical Benefits for Mining Companies Mining companies that use the SK520XDLC-10 with a hydraulic breaker experience several practical benefits: Improved Safety Eliminating blasting reduces the risk of accidents related to explosives and flying debris. Environmental Compliance Some mining sites restrict blasting to protect nearby communities or ecosystems. The SK520XDLC-10 provides a compliant alternative. Increased Productivity Operators can work longer hours with fewer interruptions, thanks to the machine’s ease of use and reliability. Lower Operating Costs Efficient hydraulic systems and reduced need for blasting materials lower overall expenses. Flexibility The excavator can switch between attachments quickly, allowing it to perform multiple tasks on site. Operator Experience and Control The SK520XDLC-10’s design focuses on operator comfort and control. The high-flow auxiliary line is controlled directly from the cab, giving operators precise control over the hydraulic breaker. This control improves accuracy when breaking rock, reducing wasted effort and minimizing damage to surrounding areas. The cab is ergonomically designed to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts. Clear visibility and intuitive controls help operators work safely and efficiently. Case Example: Johannesburg Gold Mining Site At a Johannesburg gold mining site, the new SK520XDLC-10 has already proven its value. The machine broke through a particularly tough quartzite layer that had previously slowed progress. With blasting not allowed, the hydraulic breaker attachment was the only viable solution. The mining team reported faster access to the gold reef and smoother workflow integration. The machine’s reliability meant fewer breakdowns and less downtime, helping the project stay on schedule. Summary The Kobelco SK520XDLC-10 excavator with a 3.8-ton hydraulic breaker is a powerful and practical solution for gold mining operations facing hard rock challenges without blasting options. Its combination of strength, ease of attachment use, and operator control makes it ideal for breaking quartzite layers and exposing gold-rich reefs efficiently and safely.

STATEMENT For Tyson Properties CEO, Chris Tyson, last week’s decision by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to drop the repo rate by 0.25 basis points from 7.5% will be a welcome reprieve for both property owners and investors.    Although a series of interest rate cuts were predicted for the first half of 2025, this hit a pause when the central bank left rates steady in March. The continued global uncertainty that followed US President Donald Trump’s so-called tariff tsunami together with local upheavals surrounding the 2025 government budget and elevated unemployment called for restraint.  Tyson points out that, although there were indicators that suggested that the Reserve Bank could either drop or even increase interest rates, it had decided to give South Africans some cause for optimism.  This latest interest rate drop is also likely to counter the depressed economic growth forecast announced in the Finance Minister’s third budget last week.  Tyson Properties director, Francois du Toit, says that although inflation remain below the mid-point of the target range at present, the fuel levy hike announced in the budget last week will  filter into all essential goods and household expenses and could once again push up inflation. He expects ongoing economic headwinds which are likely to reign in interest rate cuts for the time being.   Tyson adds: “Our inflation rate is quite low at the moment. I think, given the ongoing uncertainties in the market, the Reserve Bank will wait at least another six months just to see where things are going.”    At best, Tyson foresees the possibility of a 0.25% or 0.5% decrease towards the end of this year.   “I think that the current interest rate scenario is where our new norm is going to lie. It might go down a little bit, it might go up a little bit, but I think that people must budget according to where interest rates are right now. This is the level with which we are going to have to work. If it drops a little, then this will be a bonus. If it goes up  bit, they will have been prepared,” he advises.  Although Tyson says South Africa is unfortunate not to have a stable interest rate environment – a scenario that is likely to continue for at least  the next five years, Tyson believes that the property market remains resilient: “We spent the last couple of years straight after COVID seeing record lows and little mini property boom. When those rates began to increase, people found that they could no longer afford the houses they had bought. We struggled to sell houses because expectations were too high. Interest rates began to level off and the market picked up again. Then along came Trump and markets became nervous again. Now I tell our agents and our principals to take a different view and to see the market in which we are working as a good one already. We can work with what we have and run our businesses according to the hand that we have been dealt. We cannot sit and wait for interest rates to come down for the market to improve.”                                                                                                                                                                                       Ends     Regards   Nicola Chaning-Pearce Tel:  +27 82 458 0280

031 THEATRE FESTIVAL 2025 We are super excited to announce the annual 031 Theatre Festival coming to the Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS from the 6th to 8th June! Spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) and Michael Broderick (Theatresmiths) this year’s 031 festival will feature various productions that are performing at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda/Grahamstown, allowing theatre lovers a special sneak preview. I CAN BUY MYSELF FLOWERS This year we are excited to welcome the acclaimed Cape Town actress, Erika Breytenbach with her one-woman show - I can buy myself Flowers! Taking its name from Miley Cyrus’ song that became an anthem for single women the world over, I Can Buy Myself Flowers is a one-person comedy drama featuring Natalie Jackson, an estate agent in her fifties, who entertains as she reflects on the ups and downs of relationships, children, professional life and her women friendships.  BECOMING BENNO Following phenomenal success at the Adelaide International Festival in Australia, Fleur du Cap & Best of the Adelaide Fest award winner, Ben Voss, will tour Becoming Benno to South Africa. In this internationally acclaimed heartfelt comedy, Ben is detained by border officials at Sydney Airport due to an issue with his Permanent Residency Visa. Will he be admitted or sent back to SA?  Becoming Benno is for anyone who has ever considered making another country home.  With best-selling author John van de Ruit (of Spud fame) as dramaturge & South African theatre legend Michael Richard directing, Becoming Benno is an absolute gem. ETHEL Lisa Bobbert’s tribute cabaret to the Incomparable Ethel Merman- the voice that defined Broadway. Get ready for Broadway brilliance as acclaimed actress, Lisa Bobbert presents, her latest one-woman cabaret tribute to the Queen of Musical Theatre - Ethel Merman. Celebrating her life, legacy, powerful voice and iconic performances in classic Broadway musicals. Join Lisa as she pays tribute to Ethel Merman's remarkable career, performing beloved songs from Merman's extensive repertoire. From "Gypsy" to "Call Me Madam," directed by Darren King, this show is a must-see for all musical theatre lovers. COMEDY GAMES In the olden days (1993) some crazy Drama graduates - inspired by the BBC TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”-put together a team of actors and created the hit theatre improv show - Comedy Games. Now the original theatre show starring Patrick Kenny as MC is back with a hot new team of ISPA’s finest young actors. Comedy Games is the show that lets you, the audience, write the script. With fresh new games and a hot new cast from the ISPA, the audience can be guaranteed to be rolling in the aisle with laughter. ADHD Join Aaron McIlroy as he revisits one of his favourite one-man shows - ADHD!  Facts and theories are turned on their heads as we get a bird’s eye view into the chaotic and beautiful mind of Aaron McIlroy, who has lived with this ‘gift’ for the last half century. Quips Aaron: “If not exactly autobiographical, I certainly have inside information!”  The veteran comic’s hugely popular brand of humour has spiced up the theatre scene over several decades. Billed as a comedic steamroller without GPS, ADHD is scripted by Aaron McIlroy and Patrick Kenny and directed by Kenny. DATE NIGHT The 031 Theatre Festival is set to conclude on a high note with the hilarious musical comedy, Date Night, starring Aaron Mcilroy and Lisa Bobbert. This side-splitting show will take place on Sunday, the 8th of June at 6pm at The Seabrookes Theatre at Durban High School and promises to leave audiences in stitches. Date Night is a musical comedy that explores the ups and downs of romantic relationships. With Aaron and Lisa's comedic chemistry and witty banter, this show is sure to delight couples and comedy fans alike. PROGRAMME Friday 6th June: I Can Buy Myself Flowers - 6pm Becoming Benno - 8pm Saturday 7th June: Ethel - 2pm I Can Buy Myself Flowers - 4pm Becoming Benno - 6pm Comedy Games - 8pm Sunday 8th June: ADHD - 2pm Ethel - 4pm Date Night - 6pm VENUE Seabrooke’s Theatre, Durban High School, Saint Thomas Road, Musgrave, Durban, South Africa BOOK NOW https://www.webtickets.co.za/

Brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group Durban, 26 May 2025.  KwaZulu-Natal continues to cement its role as a dynamic engine of economic growth in South Africa. From major developments at the Durban and Richards Bay Ports—Africa’s busiest maritime gateways—to investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, digital innovation, and tourism, the province is brimming with opportunity and transformation. Grant Adlam, CEO, KZN Top Business; Pria Hassan, CEO of the WOA Group and Rishaad Webster, KZN Provincial Head for Business Banking at Standard Bank The KZN Top Business Awards 2025 celebrate the innovation, resilience, and success that define our regional economy. Proudly brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa (WOA) Group, these prestigious awards highlight the businesses and individuals who are driving KwaZulu-Natal forward.  “Our continued support of the KZN Top Business Awards is grounded in our role as a trusted partner for client growth. As businesses across KwaZulu-Natal continue to start, manage, and grow their operations, we remain committed to enabling their success through human-led but digitally-enabled relationship management, relevant and targeted solutions, as well as the strength of our established African and international footprint,” affirms Rishaad Webster, KZN Provincial Head for Business Banking at Standard Bank. Entries are officially open and will close on 13 June 2025, with winners announced at a glittering gala dinner on 17 July 2025. There is no cost to enter, making this an inclusive platform for businesses across all sectors. Now is the time for KwaZulu-Natal’s top-performing organisations—from start-ups to industry leaders—to showcase their achievements and contributions to the province’s development. Whether you operate in manufacturing, logistics, finance, agriculture, or community development, your story deserves to be told. 2025 Award Categories Include: Manufacturing Transport and Logistics Business, Financial Services & Education Agriculture and Agri-processing Franchising Family-Owned/Managed Business Green Energy Initiatives Employee Wellness Social & Community Responsibility In addition, there will be special recognitions, including: Standard Bank Client of the Year WOA Award for a Women-Run Business The Partnership Award for outstanding inter-agency collaboration KZN Top Brand Award, decided by public vote The highlight of the evening: The Business Leader’s Award, honouring exceptional leadership and industry impact. Why Enter? This is more than just an award. It’s a powerful opportunity to: Gain provincial and national recognition Build your business reputation Celebrate your team’s hard work and innovation Inspire others in the business community Entries must demonstrate alignment with King IV principles : ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy—emphasising your organisation’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Pria Hassan CEO of the WOA Group concluded, “The KZN Top Business Awards not only showcase business success but allow you to identify with other businesses that align with the same proactive culture and solid values. All dreams are possible with the right amount of energy and drive. Therefore,   I urge all qualifying businesses   to get involved, get recognised and be celebrated.” Submit your entry today at www.kzntopbusiness.com For more information contact Gayle Adlam at gayle@mweb.co.za or 0836530465   Stay connected with the KZN Top Business Awards through: Facebook page www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness Twitter https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkzntopbusiness LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kzntopbusiness Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kzntopbusiness/   Media enquiries Nkosinathi Msiza 083 577 7585 Nkosinathi.Msiza@standardbank.co.za

The KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the WOA Group are excited to begin introducing the outstanding entrants across our various award categories over the coming weeks. These businesses and individuals represent the innovation, resilience, and excellence that continue to drive KwaZulu-Natal forward. We congratulate all participants who have entered so far – your achievements are truly commendable, and we look forward to sharing your inspiring stories. There’s still time to enter!  Entries are open until 13 June 2025 , so if you or your business have made a positive impact in your industry or community, we encourage you to submit your nomination. Why enter? Participating in the KZN Top Business Awards is more than just a chance to win – it’s an opportunity to showcase your success, boost your brand credibility, and be recognised as a leader in the province. Whether you're a rising entrepreneur, an established company, or a community-driven organisation, your story deserves to be seen and celebrated. Stay tuned as we spotlight this year’s entrants and continue to honour the excellence that makes KZN thrive. For more information visit www.kzntopbusiness.com KZN Top Business Awards 2024 Highlights Package

The KPMG Family Business Conference, previously a sold-out hit in Durban and now upcoming in Pretoria, offers critical insights, shared experiences, and expert advice for family-run businesses navigating governance, strategic transition, and professionalisation challenges. Key Takeaways - The conference addresses key family business issues like governance, trust, succession, and balancing family values with business professionalism. - Attendees gain fresh perspectives and reassurance by seeing that their challenges are common among other family businesses. - Expert presentations and real-life case studies provide actionable advice on structuring, decision-making, and future planning. - The event facilitates open knowledge sharing and networking, helping businesses avoid pitfalls and implement effective transitions. - Early registration is encouraged due to high demand and proven value to participants.  KPMG Family Business Conference 2025 In conversation with Angela Alderton, Gary Nagoor from Royal Tyres " Exposing yourself to this type of information allows you to pivot into the future, avoiding pitfalls and making good decisions. It's the high-level corporations that generally have excellent consultants at their disposal, giving them very clear strategic advice to move forward. However, you find sometimes family businesses lack this type of access, and attending conferences like this gives you at least insight into what's out there, what's available, what can be done, and what should be done, which provides a very clear perspective for a family business planning to grow, transition, and expand ."

In partnership with KPMG Event objective A premier gathering designed to empower families and  family businesses across Africa through knowledge-sharing, innovative strategies, and actionable insights for sustainable success.   The summit aims to foster meaningful discussions on critical topics and by doing so, it seeks to equip attendees with the tools to secure their legacies and navigate the complexities of generational wealth with confidence and foresight.   Event Synopsis   The Africa Legacy Summit  is a flagship platform for families and family businesses across Africa. The Ocorian-led initiative, developed in partnership with KPMG seeks to redefine the private wealth industry by combining cutting-edge insights with actionable strategies through thought-provoking, interactive sessions.   By uniting family members and family business leaders, the summit establishes a trusted foundation for addressing the complexities of multi-generational wealth. It empowers attendees with tools, connections, and knowledge to secure their legacies, ensuring they navigate future challenges with precision and confidence.   Designed to evolve with the needs and aspirations of its audience, The African Legacy Summit is more than an event - it is a premier gathering synonymous with excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership in the realm of family business and private wealth. The African Legacy Summit In partnership with KPMG 09 Oct 2025, 08:30 – 10 Oct 2025, 17:40 Balaclava, MU, Fort Coastal Road, Balaclava 21306, Mauritius A premier gathering designed to empower families and family businesses across Africa through knowledge-sharing, innovative strategies, and actionable insights for sustainable success. The African Legacy Summit - Mauritius