2010 Business Awards
The winners of the fifth annual IslamicFinance Business Awards were announced at a glittering celebration on Friday 29 October 2010. IslamicFinance is honoured to recognise these outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and captains of industry, for the significant contribution they make to the Muslim community and to the South African economy.
Congratulations to the Business Awards Winners 2010
Business Person of the Year
Mr Mohammed Akoonjee, known as Farouk, CEO of Tradeport Distribution.
This prestigious award is presented to someone who is an inspirational role model from whom everyone can learn valuable life and business lessons. With perseverance and determination Mr Akoonjee has overcome considerable obstacles, growing his start-up store into a giant retail and wholesale organisation. His vision was to establish an organisation based on mutually-beneficial partnerships with suppliers and retailers. Tradeport Distribution is one of the largest independent cash and carry distributors in Africa, now operating from a 50 000 square metre facility with over 400 staff. Mr Akoonjee believes in service excellence, honesty, integrity, trust and transparency as well as loyal business partnerships. Besides developing his own business, he is committed to nurturing small businesses, empowering those who have the will and drive to succeed. This programme has resulted in the launch of a franchise wing which operates a number of retail stores. He has assisted many start up companies to develop into profitable retail outlets. Despite his success, Mr Akoonjee remains humble and modest, preferring to keep out of the spotlight.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Mr Hassan Mall of Malls Tiles.
This award is given to a young entrepreneur who has business acumen, global knowledge, vision, savvy and influence. The winner needs to be a role model and be a potential future leader. Mr Hassan Mall is all this, and more. He and his father, established Malls Tiles in 1975 and have developed it into the largest independent importer of tiles. They offer the most extensive range of floor and wall tiles and allied products, supplying retailers nationally and in neighbouring African countries. Mr Hassan Mall who believes that education is the key to the future, has an outstanding flair for marketing which he sees as a long term investment. As a young child he learned that with effort comes reward, a philosophy which continues to underpin his business success. One of his innovative ideas was to create a mobile showroom in a bus which enables him to take his business to the customer at their convenience.
Business Entity of the Year "Large"
Waste Mart
A waste disposal company, based in Cape Town.
This innovative company has grown from a pioneering community service to an industry leader in a highly specialised field where there is strong competition. Waste Mart has overcome considerable challenges and is one of the largest and most successful family-run business concerns in the waste management industry. 20% of their business is in domestic refuse removal with 80% coming from the corporate sector. The company specialises in the removal and safe disposal of medical, industrial and contaminated waste and is actively involved in recycling and waste minimisation campaigns as part of their environmental responsibility programme. Their recycling projects have contributed to job creation in the informal sector and the company employs 200 staff. With an established track record in providing an efficient and cost effective service, Waste-Mart’s vision is to expand nationally.
Business Entity of the Year "Medium"
Street Gear
A specialist branded footwear and casual clothing store, with a chain of ten stores opening in ten years. Street Gear is the largest independent stockist of the Puma range in KwaZulu Natal and a leading supplier of other leading international brands. Their business philosophy is to give the customers exactly what they want, so they stock ten labels as regular core lines and five additional tester brands each season. If these prove popular, they replace the core brands. Street Gear supplies good quality, well-priced exclusive sports lifestyle items and footwear, making it the first choice destination for consumers shopping for fresh and funky leisure gear. Having established a reliable reputation in KwaZulu Natal, Street Gear looks forward to launching its brand nationally.
Business Entity of the Year "Small"
Bakers D.I.Y
A chain of building hardware stores which started as a 50-square-metre store stocking second hand timber and basic hardware. It has grown into one of Durban’s leading building supplies companies, fulfilling the family dream of establishing the first independent self service DIY hyper in Durban. Bakers D.I.Y has five branches and has entered the international arena. Rather than just supplying products, their interest in providing the right solution drives them to ask customers: “What is your problem and how can we help you?” They are passionate about the business and their commitment to service excellence is borne out by their motto: “from a nail to a roof, if we don’t stock it, we will source it and deliver it to you at no charge”.
Community Corporate Investment
Darul Ihsan
A Durban-based community organisation which offers a variety of Islamic services as well as humanitarian, welfare and empowerment initiatives. They provide innovative ways of equipping entrepreneurs and empowering start-up businesses to become self-sufficient. They are involved in many educational projects and youth programmes, promoting the moral regeneration of society and helping to restore Islamic values. Darul Ihsan’s school sandwich scheme has become legendary, supplying 50 000 sandwiches to learners at 49 schools each week. Their outreach, education and empowerment initiatives make a significant impact on the most vulnerable sectors of society.
IslamicFinance donated R50 000 to Darul Ihsan and R25 000 to each of the finalists in this category, Jam-Eyyataul-Qurraa and the Muslim Aids Programme.
Special Recognition Award
Pays tribute to an organisation, a person or people who have enhanced, improved or made the lives of Muslims easier. The award recognises the recipient for the significant contribution they have made to the Muslim community.
This year the award went to:
The late Justice Mohammed Jajbhay
ACSA - Airports Company South Africa
IslamicFinance is looking forward to hosting future Business Awards will showcase another selection of inspirational captains of industry and successful organisations. The independent panel of judges is confident that the number of entries will increase in all categories in future and encourages everyone in the community to start thinking about businesses or innovative entrepreneurs worthy of nomination.
To request a copy of the IslamicFinance 5th Annual Business Awards booklet email: Businessawards@islamicfinance.co.za
