Final day to enter business awards looms

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Pretoria - Companies that still wish to submit entries for the third annual South African Premier Business Awards have until this Friday to do so, says the Department of Trade and Industry (dti).

The closing date had to be extended due to the overwhelming response from members of the public.

The awards, which bring together all single-sectored awards including exporters, manufacturers and women in business, among others, are organised by the dti in partnership with Proudly South African and Brand South Africa.

Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies said this extension came after careful consideration from the dti and its partners. The Minister urged businesses that have not yet submitted their entries to take advantage of this opportunity.

“This is the once-off opportunity for businesses to ensure that all factors they may have doubted regarding their eligibility for the awards are researched and satisfied to ensure a successful application,” said Minister Davies.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on 9 April 2015 in Gauteng. They recognise business excellence, honouring enterprises that promote the spirit of success and innovation.

South African enterprises that meet the various criteria per category and have achieved success in their various fields are eligible and encouraged to enter.

Judging will be based on crucial values and practices, including job creation, good business ethics and a dedication to quality.  

Entries are open to all sectors. These include SMMEs, organisations that drive innovation, youth-led enterprises, manufacturers following best operating practices, exporters of South African products, women-owned businesses and investors in job creation.

In all, the awards have 10 categories.

For more information about the awards, to view the competition rules or to download an entry form, you can visit www.sapremierbusinessawards.co.za  or contact the dti call centre on 0861 843 384. - SAnews.gov.za