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The second annual SA Premier Business Awards to be held on 19 March 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng - is open for entries. The event, which recognises business excellence in South Africa, is organised by the Department of Trade and Industry, Proudly South African and Brand South Africa.

The Awards are South Africa’s apex business awards which integrate all single sectored awards into one big, national business awards. The Awards represent and acknowledge all South African business sectors.

“The Awards are designed to showcase the best that South Africa has to offer in terms of businesses, products and services. I am confident that the 2014 edition of the Awards will be as successful as the inaugural awards we hosted in Johannesburg in March last year,” said the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies.

South African enterprises, international and global companies as well as members of the media who/which adhere to the various criteria per category and achieved success in their various fields, qualify to enter.

“Through the Awards we will honour enterprises that promote innovation and competitiveness – as well as job creation, good business ethics and quality. As we celebrate 20 years of democracy this year, we will also celebrate local enterprises that have promoted the spirit of success and entrepreneurship in South Africa,” said Proudly South African CEO, Adv. Leslie Sedibe.

“Brand South Africa is pleased to be a partner in hosting these awards which celebrate South African business entrepreneurship and innovation.  These elements are critical in driving the developmental agenda of South Africa and in growing our economy which are key elements of the National Development Plan,” said Brand South Africa CEO, Miller Matola.

Categories for the awards include: Exporter Award, Manufacturer Award, Rural Development Award, Technology Award, Young Entrepreneur Award, Women Owned Enterprise Award, Proudly South African Enterprise Award, Media Award, Quality Award, Green Award, Most Empowered Enterprise Award, SMME Award, Investor Award, Play Your Part Award and Corporate SME Supplier Development Award.

A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented – and will be a discretionary award. South African entrepreneur and property developer, Dr Richard Maponya, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Awards in March 2013.

Dr Maponya was recognised for his significant contribution to the development of South African business and his contribution to the community during his lifetime.

More information on the SA Premier Business Awards, including entry forms, can be obtained online at www.sapremierbusinessawards.co.za.