The winners of the KZN Top Business Awards 2016 powered by eLan Property Group were announced at a gala dinner held at the Greyville Convention Centre on the 28 July. The annual KZN Top Business Awards, now in their tenth year celebrate achievements in the public and private business arena over the past year.

The gala dinner was attended by many captains of industry and their invited guests from across the province. Master of ceremony, Derek Watts of Carte Blanche set the polished tone for the evening; entertaining the guests and directing the proceedings in superb style.

A major theme of the evening was the importance of building partnerships between the private sector and government to promote investment and development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

In her welcoming address, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Nomvuso Shabalala emphasized the City’s commitment to promoting eThekwini Municipality as an investment destination of choice. She said that the City actively strives to retain existing businesses and attract new businesses in partnership with national and provincial government as well as the private sector. There are also a large number of catalytic projects underway that will have a huge impact on the future development of the greater Durban region.

FNB economist Marc Appleton delivered an informative presentation on the South African economy. He said that although we are currently facing economic uncertainty, KwaZulu-Natal is still one of the cheapest places in the world to live and has many advantages and investment opportunities.

Guest of honour, MEC Belinda Scott, KZN Department of Finance added, “Housing, office, shopping mall and resort development projects are on the increase, creating fertile investment opportunities for mainstream construction and downstream supply services. She also echoed the message from National Treasury; “We must persist with, and redouble our efforts to work together - government, business and labour - to improve our growth prospects and to create more business and work opportunities.”

The eLan Property Group has come on board for the last two years as key sponsor of the KZN Top Business Awards. CEO of the eLan Property Group Mark Taylor said, “We are once again delighted to be part of this event. The company is active in supporting the business community and we would like to bring positive energy to KwaZulu-Natal, to promote development in the region as a whole.”

The KZN Top Business Awards acknowledge business success, innovation and ethical practice. Lalita Dhasiar-Ventura copublisher of the KZN Top Business said, “We believe that we need to communicate the importance of striving for success in South Africa, through transformation and innovation.

Traditionally, business awards are about financial returns, increased sales or market share. However, the awards recognise companies and organisations that integrate responsible business practice into their mainstream operations, which result in a positive impact in the marketplace, environment, community and workplace, creating a better life for all in KZN. To build an economy creates opportunities for all.”