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Business enterprises are invited to submit entries for the 4th annual South African Premier Business Awards by 30 September 2016. Entries may be submitted in a range of categories, including technology, manufacturing and women in business.

These annual awards, which are organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Brand South Africa and Proudly South African, recognise business excellence and celebrate enterprises that promote the spirit of success and innovation as well as job creation, good business ethics and quality.

The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies has described this event as South Africa’s apex business awards which brings together all single sectored awards into one big, national business awards.

“The awards represent and acknowledge all South African business sectors and enterprises, as well as members of the media who meet the various criteria per category and have achieved success in their various fields,” says Davies

He adds that for the first time in four years, the partners have introduced the on-line entry system that will give businesses that are based in other provinces a chance to take part.

CEO of Brand South Africa, Dr Kingsley Makhubela has emphasised the role that business plays in building a strong and competitive Nation Brand.

“South African business is critical to building positive perceptions about the country’s competitiveness for both domestic and international audiences. In addition, these Awards also highlight how collaboration between government and business plays a part in building a competitive and capable Nation Brand,” says Makhubela.

Acting CEO of Proudly South African, Mr. Eustace Mashimbye added: “We are certain that through these awards, more South Africans will be able to rate the significance of South African businesses as well as the quality of many of their products as among the best in the world. Through these awards and using other mechanisms, we are optimistic that the acceptance of “Buy Local” message will grow among South Africans nationwide, adding to the growth of our country’s economy.”

Categories for the awards include: Lifetime Achievement Award, Manufacturers Award, Exporters Award, Enterprise Development Support Award, Women-Owned Businesses Award, Young Entrepreneur Award, Investor of the Year Award, Proudly South African Enterprise Award, Play Your Part Award, SMME Award and Black Industrialist Award.

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry