In celebration of its pearl anniversary, Exporters Eastern Cape launched the 2025 edition of its prestigious annual Exporter of the Year Awards this week to honour the gems of business that keep the province’s economy pumping.
The event, hosted at the Isuzu Motors SA (IMSA) plant which has earned numerous accolades at the awards, marks the opening of a new round in the competition.
It will culminate in the glamorous awards ceremony set to take place on November 14 at the Tramways Hall and will see several businesses within the export value chain honoured for their operational excellence and industry capabilities.
Eastern Cape Exporters chair Quinton Levey said the event offered Eastern Cape businesses a chance to assess their efficiency, economic relevance, and competitive edge.
“Exporters and businesses along the value chain play a critical role in driving the Eastern Cape economy.
“These awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate their contributions and create pride among employees.
“I encourage businesses to enter at least one of the award categories.
“This is an opportunity to spotlight the province’s leading economic sectors and celebrate our achievements,” Levey said.
IMSA executive vice-president of technical operations Dominic Rimmer said sustainability, community and people were among the pillars of their success.
Rimmer said the Struandale plant assembles 111 bakkies and 17 trucks in a single shift and is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the country that boasts a level one score on the BBBEE scorecard.
“Our people remain a focus in our business, as they are the driving force behind our overall performance,” Rimmer said.
There are several categories in which companies can enter, including: SJM Flex environmental award; SJM Flex environmental practice award; IDC job creation award; best provider of services to exporters; emerging exporter award; best exporter: small business; best exporter: medium enterprises; best exporter: corporate category; and best exporter: OEM.
The overall exporter of the year for 2025 will be chosen from these category winners.
For the 30th edition the organisation also added new categories such as the Community Chest corporate social investment (CSI) award for large corporates and CSI awards for small and medium enterprises as well as the youth entrepreneur exporter award and women-led exporter business award.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the Exporters Eastern Cape website at www.exportersec.co.za.
The Herald
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