Awards in recognition of business and service excellence were presented at the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala evening held at the Northgate Lodge outside Makhado (Louis Trichardt) on Saturday, 20 September.

Several prestigious awards were handed out during the evening in recognition of local businessmen and -women who excelled in terms of growth, development and service delivery, as well as promoting the town and region. South Africa’s most popular a capella group, Navi Redd, entertained guests throughout the evening.

The prestigious Local Businessperson of the Year trophy was scooped up by Mr André Prinsloo of P&L Hardware. This award is given to a local and well-respected business of good standing in the community. The other two finalists in this category were Mr Vijo Premjee from M Premjee & Son and Ms Annemarie Bothma from Masequa Bricks.

In the other much-sought-after category, that of Entrepreneur of the Year, which is given to a relatively new business boasting a new idea or concept, the honour went to Ms Mariette and Mr Bennie Pieterse of Seisoene. Other finalists in this category were Die Vrieskas and Gecko Car Wash.

The Newsmaker of the Year award this year was awarded to Ms Inga Gilfillan for her work to actively promote the town, as well as the Soutpansberg region and its history. Ms Renda Alexander of the P&L Cycling Club was the other nominee in this category.

The chamber’s tourism award, the Salt Shaker of the Year trophy, was given to Northgate Lodge. Other finalists were the Khoroni Casino & Hotel and Leshiba Wilderness.

The Corporate Manager of the Year award was received by Mr Inus Steyn of Imperial GM Louis Trichardt. This award is given to a person who excels as a manager of a corporate institution or division within a corporate company. The other two finalists were Ms Rene Fensham of Nictus and Mr Collin Forrest of Steyn Staal. Last year’s Business Man of the Year, Mr Robert Rauch of DinnerMates, commented that the vote for the winner in this category was so close that it should have been a tie. “They are all winners,” said Rauch.

Rainbow Midas was the 2014 Corporate Company of the Year for their contribution to economic growth and welfare in the region. The other two finalists were Martin’s Funerals and Spar Pharmacy.

Various certificates of appreciation were also awarded to members of the community for outstanding service and commitment to excellence. Mr Dirk Meissenheimer, the man responsible for organising the local Cansa Relay for life, received the Performer of the Year certificate. Capt Danelle Fourie of the Makhado SAPS unit for the protection of violence against children and families was awarded for outstanding police service. Mr Theo Muller of Louis Trichardt High School was awarded for his outstanding educational contribution, the Makhado Care Group for outstanding health contribution and Ms Hilke Janse van Rensburg, regional state prosecutor of the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court, for Public Official of the Year. Secretary of the Year was Ms Elsabé Pretorius of ZC Pretorius Makelaars.

Not only did all the stylish guests celebrate with the award winners, but they also welcomed the new chairperson of the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce, Mr Pieter Els, who took over the reins from Ms Jana Smith.