Page 2 - Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2018

STANDARD BANK KZN TOP BUSINESS

LEADER’S AWARD

he Standard Bank KZN very humble and special. I feel medicines, vaccines, anti-
Top Business Leader’s fabulous that this will open up malarial medication, high
Taward is an honorary opportunities to deal with many energy and protein supplements,
award given to a business person more businesses in KwaZulu- food and water to millions of
who has demonstrated exemplary Natal so that we can help many people in 42 countries, South
business achievement, industry more people in this country, in Africa included.
influence and is a true inspiration the continent and in the world.” The organisation, due its
to others.
Sooliman says that he is driven staff and infrastructure, has
The 2018 award was given to by his motto and that of the Gift extended its activities beyond
Imtiaz Sooliman the founder, of the Givers which is simple. The providing disaster relief to 21
director and chairman of Gift motto states: “Best Among People categories of projects.
of the Givers, a disaster relief are those who Benefit Mankind”. These efforts have earned Gift
agency, which has been in Thus far the Pietermaritzburg of the Givers, 124 individual
existence for 26 years. headquartered organisation and organisational accolades
has disbursed in excess of R2,1
Sooliman commented, “It is and awards, including four
a great feeling tonight to have billion in aid to needy individuals Presidential awards.
this honour amongst a group and communities. Dr Sooliman commented that the
of highly qualified business Gift of the Givers has delivered work of the organisation is done
people in KwaZulu-Natal. I never lifesaving aid in the form through him and not by him and
expected to get this award, I of search and rescue teams, out of a sense of gratitude that he
am an NGO which deals with medical personnel, medical
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman takes home the Standard Bank KZN Top Business humanitarian activities. I feel equipment, medical supplies, is not in a situation of need. n
Leaders award

TOURISM AWARD PARTNERSHIP AWARD

T he Winner is Fairmont well established as one of the
Zimbali Resort
country’s leading companies in
Fairmont Zimbali Resort the leisure and accommodation
sector. With property
promises legendary hospitality, investments of R1.3 billion
superb attention to detail and and over 45 years’ industry
an atmosphere of pure paradise. experience, the Beekman
The resort plays an active role in Group has the expertise and
stimulating both international and infrastructure to ensure that
domestic tourism to the province all their business ventures
and the north coast region. are a success. The Group has
Fairmont Zimbali Resort is successfully sent over seven
one of the largest employers in million people on holiday
its area with a permanent head throughout South Africa since
count of 155 employees and 1993. The Holiday Club is
additional seasonal staffing of Africa’s top performing vacation
approximately 211 employees. points’ ownership company.
Through its affiliation with Durban ICC
TOMSA, its guests contribute
a 1% tourism levy which Since opening in 1997, the
enables tourism bodies to better Durban ICC has led the way
market the destination, thereby for South Africa’s conventions
contributing to increased industry and pioneered the
job creation and revenue country’s ability to attract
opportunities within the international events to its shores. Russell Curtis, Invest Durban; Moses Tembe, KZN Growth Coalition; Philip Sithole, Deputy City Manager; Cllr Sipho
tourism sector. Over the years, the Centre has Kaunda, eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson; Musa Makhunga,
successfully hosted some of President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
FINALISTS the world’s largest and most
Beekman Group prestigious events and has been he Partnership award is roadshow – recently visited Committee Chairperson
The Beekman Group is the platform for the discussion given to a project which the United Kingdom (UK) attributed the interest, “to the
of many global issues. n Treflects the importance to promote the province of opportunities the region has for
of effective inter-agency KwaZulu-Natal. both small and large investors.
collaboration and partnerships.
The Mission, led by the The 65+ B2B meetings concluded
The 2018 winner is eThekwini KwaZulu-Natal MEC Finance, on the Friday alone set a new
Municipality and its unit Invest Mrs Belinda Scott, Her Worship, record from which additional
Durban. Russel Curtis, Head eThekwini Mayor, Cllr. Zandile investments will flow into our
of Department Invest Durban Gumede and a number of economy.”
reflected, “It is an honour, as the prominent local business leaders
city of Durban’s leadership, to be promoted the City and Province Invest Durban will now be
in partnership with our business as a premier investment assisting these businesses, and
friends and business leaders destination, whilst showcasing others from both the UK and
in Durban. Tonight, is a great a diverse range of flagship, Durban who couldn’t attend,
reflection of that partnership investor-ready projects through to make follow ups in the
and the great work together.” a series of organised business-to- coming weeks. This increased
business engagements. bilateral trade and investment
Over 45 people from business will be ensured to benefit
and government – the biggest Cllr Sipho Kaunda, eThekwini all communities in both the
combined regional delegation Municipality’s Economic United Kingdom and Durban,
Ashley Sookhun received the award on behalf of Fairmont Zimbali Resort ever to travel on an investment Development and Planning KwaZulu-Natal. n

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