Companies that offer a service which exceeds expectations were recognised and rewarded during the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business Excellence Awards on 13 November.

The black-tie event was attended by captains of industry, owners of companies of all sizes, entrepreneurs and representatives from non-profit organisations.

The air was filled with excitement as the attendees arrived in numbers to be a part of this auspicious event. Special guest for the evening was the mayor of the City of uMhlathuze, Councillor Mhlongo, who welcomed the guests to the event.

The keynote speaker for the evening was the multiple awardwinning CEO of Richards Bay Coal Terminal, Ms Nosipho Siwisa-Damasane, who expertly addressed the topic of "Bold and ethical leadership."

Mr Tebogo Ditshego (owner of Ditshego Communications and founder of the African Reading Foundation) was the guest speaker. Aged only 29, he has been recognised as one of South
Africa's role models and named as Forbes Magazine's Top 30 African Entrepreneurs for 2014. He motivated the attendees to reach for their dreams at all times.

The vivacious MC of the evening was Mr Alec Bozas, who entertained the crowd with his subtle wit and charm. There was fierce competition amongst the finalists for the 13 category awards.

The big winner of the night was Tronox KZN Sands, who won four trophies as well as the Premium Award.

The complete list of winners is as follows;

• Service Excellence Award Public Sector: uThungulu District Municipality
• Service Excellence Award Community: Amangwe Village
• Service Excellence Award Business: Encore Maintenance Solution
• Employer of the year Award:Tronox KZN Sands
• SABCOHA Wellness Award:RBCT
• Safety Awareness Award:Tronox KZN Sands
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Tronox KZN Sands
• Emerging Business Excellence Award: HF Engineering
• Micro Business of the year:Kloppers Incorporated Attorneys
• Small Business Excellence Award:Umkhumbe Construction
• Corporate Business Excellence Award: Tronox KZN Sands
• Tourism Business of the year:Umfolozi Hotel Casino and Convention centre
• Premium Award Winner:Tronox KZN Sands.

During the same week as the ZCCI's Business Excellence Awards, Ms Nzimande won the prestigious 2015 National HR Director of the Year during the 59th Institute of People Management (IPM) Convection held at Sun City.  The IPM Excellence Awards seek to recognise business and people leaders who contribute significantly to furthering excellence in people management for the benefit of employees, organisations, communities throughout South Africa.

Judith is well-recognised as a leader in the People Management in Africa. She is currently a general manager of Human Resources at Richards Bay Coal Terminal, prior to that appointment she was HR Director at Mondi.

In addition, she will graduate at Harvard Business School in the USA next month.

Judith also made history as the first female President of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was established in 1926. The ZCCI has grown from strength to strength under her strategic leadership.