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Monday, 21 October 2024

The South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (SAPCC) is thrilled to announce the SAPCC Absa Business Excellence Awards, celebrating the 10th edition of this prestigious event.

The gala was held on Saturday, 19 October 2024 at the renowned Emperor's Palace, where the Luso-South African and Portuguese business community and other distinguished guests gathered to honour exceptional achievements in business.

The awards recognize individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to their industries and communities, across multiple categories.

The winners for the 2024 awards are:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Diogo Mendonça, Blacksmith Culture, for his innovative leadership in creative content production and his role in expanding Blacksmith Culture across South Africa.

Industry Impact Award: Reef Tankers, recognized for its substantial impact in the transportation and logistics sector.

Business of the Year (under 100 employees): Compact Cool, acknowledged for its excellence in delivering high-performance cooling solutions.

Large Business of the Year: Unitrade Management System, celebrated for its leadership in voluntary buying associations and the success of its brands such as Powertrade and Bestbuy.

Brand of the Year: Nando's, a household name in South Africa, recognized for staying true to its Portuguese roots while achieving global success.

Family Business of the Year: Plastic Ideas, a company that has grown through generations, offering innovative packaging solutions while maintaining its family-owned values.

Digital Innovation Award: Global Kinetic, honored for its cutting-edge technology and transformative solutions in the digital space.

International Business of the Year: Amorim Cork South Africa, leading the industry in sustainable cork production, with significant contributions to the wine industry.

Business Person of the Year: Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C, awarded for his exceptional leadership and business acumen in driving Cell C's turnaround and growth.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mimi Jardim, recognized for her lifetime contributions to Portuguese culinary heritage and her role as a beloved figure in the South African community.

"At Absa, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs and celebrating excellence within the business community," says Stonie Steenkamp, Managing Executive for Commercial and Premium at Absa Business Banking.  "Our collaboration with the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce reflects our commitment to supporting unique client needs and building lasting relationships. Congratulations to all the winners – your impactful contributions to the business landscape and our economy inspire us all to continue striving for excellence."

This year's event is a highlight on the business calendar, celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership within the Portuguese-South African business community. The evening saw notable attendance from past award winners, former board members, and key stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in the growth of the Chamber.

The awards ceremony is a platform for networking and honouring the successes of individuals and companies who have not only excelled in their respective sectors but have also contributed to the economic growth of South Africa.

The SAPCC expresses its deep gratitude to Absa and all other sponsors for their continued support, ensuring the success of this iconic event.


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