Announcing the KZN Top Business Awards 2026 finalists

The KZN Top Business Awards 2026, brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group and in association with East Coast Radio, is delighted to announce this year’s finalists.

Annually, the awards pay tribute to the many outstanding businesses and organisations that are contributing to the economy and improving the lives of the people in KwaZulu-Natal.

Rishaad Webster, provincial head of business banking (KwaZulu-Natal), business and commercial banking at Standard Bank South Africa, said, “At Standard Bank, we are committed to helping businesses thrive and turn opportunities into real possibilities. The KZN Top Business Awards celebrate organisations that are doing exactly that are growing, creating jobs and making a positive impact in their communities. We congratulate all the finalists on this well-deserved recognition and their contribution to the province’s economy.”

Advocate Pria Hassan, group CEO of the Women of Africa Group, congratulated all the finalists. “The KZN Top Business Awards recognise companies that are shaping industries, creating opportunities and strengthening communities across KwaZulu-Natal. Their achievements remind us that the future of our province is being built every day by courageous entrepreneurs, committed employers, visionary leaders and businesses that choose to make a difference,” Hassan said.

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The finalists in each of the categories are as follows:

Standard Bank Client of the Year – SME Category

This category award recognises outstanding Standard Bank clients with an annual turnover of less than R100 million.

• Argento Trading 117c
• KZD Solutions
• Shalom Interiors

Standard Bank Client of the Year – Larger Enterprise

This category award celebrates outstanding Standard Bank clients with an annual turnover exceeding R100 million

• Avemel Logistics
• KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/Provident Funds
• SW360

Manufacturing Sector

This category honours manufacturers whose commitment to excellence strengthens industries, creates employment and contributes to the prosperity of KwaZulu-Natal.

• aQuellé
• AVVO Labels
• Boiler and Industrial Plant
• Tropic Plastic and Packaging

Transport/ Logistics Sector

This award category recognises organisations whose excellence, reliability and innovation ensure that goods, services and people reach their destinations efficiently.

• JRS Solutions
• Satguru Travel
• Signature Fuels
• Travel Bug Tours and Safaris

Family-Owned/ Managed Businesses

This category honours family-owned and managed enterprises.

• Bluff Meat Supply
• Miktek Scientific
• Pravda and Knowles Attorneys
• Spectrum Painting Contractors

Agriculture and Agri-Processing

This category celebrates organisations whose innovation, sustainability and commitment continue to strengthen this vital sector.

• Emseni Farming
• GreenHill Laboratories
• Irritech Agencies International
• Lake Glencairn

Business/ Financial /Education

Encompassing general business, activities, education, and financial services, this category plays a critical role in shaping the future

• AJ Property Holdings
• ECA Consulting
• Labournet
• The Oyster Box

Community Upliftment and Improvement  

This award celebrates businesses and social enterprises that are making KwaZulu-Natal a better place to live, work and prosper.

• CHARGEO™
• Ensure Security
• Use It Waste Beneficiation

Renewable Efficiency – Green Initiatives

This award recognises businesses whose environmental initiatives are delivering lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

• Brahman Hills Gardens, Spa, Hotel and Villas
• Envirosan Sanitation Solutions
• EWaste Africa
• NuCarbon

Employee Wellness

This award celebrates businesses that go beyond expectation to create workplaces where people can thrive and perform at their very best.

• Beekman Group
• Capitol Caterers
• SRF Flexipak

Partnership

This award recognises projects that demonstrate the power of innovation, strategic thinking, teamwork and effective collaboration to deliver exceptional results.

• Mobi Ventures
• SmartXchange
• Gagasi FM
• TAFTA – The Association for the Aged

Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business, said, “The calibre of companies operating in KwaZulu-Natal continues to impress. The KZN Top Business Awards exist to recognise excellence, celebrate achievement and inspire future success. Every organisation has earned its place through innovation, perseverance, leadership and a commitment to excellence. Becoming a finalist is itself an outstanding achievement and reflects the respect the judging panel and the broader business community.”

The grand finale takes place on July 16 when all winners, including the honorary KZN Top Business Leader of the Year 2026 as well as the recipient of the Women of Africa Top Business Woman of the Year, will be revealed.

In addition, the Top Brand accolade, which is one of the most coveted honours, will be announced.

Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/@kzntopbusiness on July 18, when the event recording will premiere at 6pm.

For more information, visit www.kzntopbusiness.com