The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Indust ry in partnership with Transnet Port terminals hosted a breakfast on 04 October to announce the nominees of this year’s KZN Exporter of the Year Awards. KwaZulu Natal is home to two of the largest and busiest ports in South Africa. Exports aid in the improvement of our count ry’s balance of t rade through earning foreign revenue, which also serve to boost manufacturing demand domestically, creating jobs and developing skills.

Over the years the role of exports in South Africa’s economic st rategy has become
pivotal in developing and maintaining economic growth.

The KZN Exporter of the Year marks the 17th year of these prestigious Awards which are aimed at recognising the role players in this indust ry. The aim of the awards, which are taking place on 19 th October 2017, is to encourage new ent rants and help existing exporters grow their businesses and develop new markets. The awards are held in partnership with Transnet Port Terminals; a key enabler of exporters and the count ry’s leading terminal operator responsible for commercial import and export.

“It is fitting that during Transport and Maritime Month that we recognize exporters who are key role players and drivers for what make a good economy work. Our partnership with these companies and individuals who are at the forefront of exporting is vital because we as a leading terminal operator play a critical role in ensuring that the wheels of this count ry’s economy are continuously turning. We are proud to be still be involved with an event of this magnitude, “ stated Nozipho Sithole,  ransnet Port Terminals (TPT) Chief Executive.

KZN’s major export products include aluminum, vehicles, iron, steel, ore, machinery, paper, pulp, varying chemical products, mineral fuels, oils, mechanical appliances and elect rical equipment. Exporting companies and individuals are encouraged to enter these awards as increased participation from businesses across KZN will only st rengthen a global footprint in exports and make the province more competitive.

The Durban Chamber is committed to the economic growth and development of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa (SA) and Africa as a continent. Our primary strategic objective is not only to advocate on behalf of the eThekwini business community but it is also to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with st rategic stakeholders. “The significance of taking a business from humble beginnings into the international arena is proof of st rategic business focus, sound business principals, high customer focus, and continuous research and development. One of the sectors we have supported over many years is the export indust ry”, states Dumile Cele, CEO of the Durban Chamber.

Winners and nominees of the competition receive t remendous media exposure and are offered assistance and close support in prerequisites to successful exports as well as access to incentives for which they qualify. This is through the st rategic partners that support the awards which include; the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Economic Affairs (EDTEA), Trade & Investment KwaZulu Natal (TIKZN), EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC).

We are pleased to announce this year’s nominees in the following categories;
1. New Exporter:
1. Give it Back CC
2. Siyakha Imperial Printing Co.
3. Scenicel (Pty) Ltd

2. Medium:
1. Bata South Africa
2. Factocode (Pty) Ltd
3. Saddler Belts & Leathercrafts (Pty) Ltd
4. Zungu-Elgin Engineering (Pty)Ltd

3. Large:
1. SAPPI Southern Africa
2. SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa (PTY) Ltd
3. Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd
4. PKF Elect ronics Holdings Pty Ltd
5. Ferro South Africa
6. CMA CGM Shipping Agency
7. Inhep Elect ronics
8. BBF SAFETY GROUP

4. Africa:
1. Protea Chemicals
2. SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa (PTY) Ltd
3. Ferro South Africa
4. Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd
5. Bata South Africa
6. Inhep Elect ronics
7. Zungu-Elgin Engineering (Pty) Ltd
8. BBF SAFETY GROUP

5. Service Providers:
1. Mediterranean Shippng Company ( Pty) Ltd
2. Salt rans Logistics
3. Triple S Shipping
4. Kuehne+Nagel (Pty) Ltd

6. Manufacturers:
1. SAPPI Southern Africa
2. SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa (PTY) Ltd
3. Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd
4. Bata South Africa
5. Factocode (Pty) Ltd T/A Microfinish
6. Ferro South Africa
7. Zungu-Elgin Engineering (Pty) Ltd
8. Inhep Elect ronics
9. Scenicel (Pty) Ltd

7. Creative Industries:
1. Hillcrest Aids Cent re Trust t/a Woza Moya
2. Africa! Ignite

Award winners will be announced at the Durban ICC on 19 October at the Awards
Gala Banquet. Tickets are available for table purchases and at individual seats:
Members: R9 900 | per seat: R1100. Non-Members: R11 000 | per seat: R1 250.
We invite you to join us in recognising the efforts of companies which have made
their mark in the competitive export market and are putting KZN on the
international map. For further information email booknow@durbanchamber.co.za.

#KZNExporter17 #KeepAfricaMoving