2011 Business Awards
IslamicFinance announced the winners of the sixth annual IslamicFinance Business Awards at a presentation held in Johannesburg on Friday 30 October 2011. IslamicFinance is proud to showcase these outstanding businesses, visionary entrepreneurs, inspirational leaders and established business legends and honour them as esteemed role models. Many are unsung heroes who have triumphed despite difficult circumstances. They have overcome obstacles and persevered to achieve and surpass their goals. In providing employment, they contribute significantly to wealth creation and help improve the lives of people throughout the country.
Congratulations to the Business Awards Winners 2011
Entrepreneur of the Year
Mr Reaaz Ahmed, CEO of Good Hope Meat Hyper
Mr Reaaz Ahmed, CEO of Good Hope Meat Hyper, situated in Salt River, Cape Town, received the award in recognition of his innovation in expanding the company’s product range to manufacture Halaal alternatives to processed cold meats and Italian and German sausages. The wholesale division supplies airlines, hotels and national chain stores and was the FIFA appointed supplier in 2010. Mr Ahmed and his team have developed the store’s saving scheme into a successful loyalty programme. He started a flea market in the business’s parking area to help home industries generate an income and is involved in many community outreach initiatives including serving on the board of the Red Cross.
Corporate Social Investment
Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI)
The 2011 Community Corporate Social Investment of the Year Award was won by The Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI) in recognition of their contribution in promoting inter-faith dialogue and building bridges between communities. Based in Durban, the organisation has harnessed technology, including facebook and twitter, to transform itself from a traditional organisation to a professional high-tech front-runner welcoming both locals and tourists to their Islamic Exhibition and Multimedia Centre. They provide educational material and host Mosque tours reaching a diverse public of Muslims and non-Muslims.
Business Entity of the Year "Medium/Large"
Classic Trading
The Business Entity of the Year Award in the Medium and Large category was won by JJM Hardware Wholesalers trading as Classic Trading. Classic Trading supplies a wide range of bathroom and sanitary ware from its state-of-the-art flagship showroom in Springfield Park, Durban, KwaZulu Natal and plush branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Business Entity of the Year "Small"
Sportline Auto
The winner of the Business Entity of the Year "Small" is Auto Mia CC, trading as Sportline Auto. The company has a service repair centre in Mayfair, Johannesburg, offering owners of Mercedes-Benz vehicles whose motor plan has expired, the benefit of dealership-trained technicians at reasonable rates. This is an example of a business which has developed from a one-man workshop to a sophisticated facility equipped with modern diagnostic equipment and a team of skilled auto technicians.
Special Recognition Award
Gift of the Givers
The Special Recognition Award was presented to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers in recognition of their work in Somalia this year. Dr Sooliman and his team of volunteers are ambassadors for the Muslim community and for brand South Africa. Gift of the Givers is the first to respond when disaster or tragedy strikes, assisting those in need irrespective of colour or creed. This year, they invited South Africans to contribute towards the relief effort in Somalia and 50 million South Africans responded. The Somalia Famine Response is the greatest humanitarian effort in South African history. Gift of the Givers won the IslamicFinance Community Corporate Social Investment Award in 2008. It has delivered over R450million in disaster relief to 32 countries including South Africa.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr Abdul Razak Moosa
The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr Abdul Razak Moosa, CEO of the Willowton Group, a KwaZulu-Natal based organisation. Willowton Oil and Cake Mills manufactures and supplies cooking oil, candles, margarine and soap amongst its diverse product range and won the Business Entity of the Year Award in 2007. Mr Moosa is positive in these uncertain economic times saying current challenges present opportunities to implement cost saving measures, save valuable natural resources and make better use of logistics and utilities. He says with high unemployment in South Africa, businesses need to balance the need to create more jobs with the necessity of working within tight budgets.
