IN a unique move, the 2011 FNB KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio Awards will be hosted on the pitch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the organisers said yesterday.

Co-publisher of the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio, Grant Adlam told The Witness that the theme of this year's event is local icons, adding that the stadium has entrenched itself as an iconic venue representing the province on the international stage.

The fifth FNB KZN Top Business Portfolio Awards will take place on July 7.

The awards -- which cover 13 business and government sectors -- are open to companies and organisations in the private and public sectors.

Adlam said the awards are aimed at rewarding organisations for "doing the right thing" in relation to good corporate governance.

Key indicators include brand, reputation and sustainability. The major award of the evening will be the Public Private Partnership Award.

Preggie Pillay, FNB's KZN chairperson, said the awards highlight the positive news emanating from KZN's business environment.

Lalita Ventura, one of the publishers of the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio, said the awards offer finalists and winners significant marketing opportunities.