Celebrating excellence at the 2026 KZN Top Business Awards

The highly-anticipated KZN Top Business Awards 2026, proudly brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group, and in association with East Coast Radio, took place on Thursday, July 16, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The gala dinner saw KwaZulu-Natal’s leading business minds gather for an evening of celebration and recognition.

East Coast Radio personality, Carol Ofori served as master of ceremonies. With her trademark charisma, she guided an audience of business leaders, industry stakeholders and members of the media through an unforgettable evening celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s business community.

Rishaad Webster, provincial head of business banking (KwaZulu-Natal), business and commercial banking at Standard Bank South Africa, said, “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the KZN Top Business Awards 2026. These awards recognise the businesses and leaders who continue to make a positive impact in KwaZulu-Natal through innovation, resilience and a commitment to excellence. We are proud to celebrate businesses that are creating jobs, driving growth and contributing to the success of our province. At Standard Bank, we remain committed to supporting businesses on their growth journeys and helping to unlock opportunities that benefit our economy and communities.”

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the prestigious KZN Top Business Leader of the Year award, which recognises an individual who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others.

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This year’s honour went to Ismail Simjee, chief executive officer of Tropic Plastic and Packaging. Simjee has helped transform a family-owned enterprise into South Africa’s largest flexible packaging manufacturer.

Under his leadership, the Durban-based business has evolved into a technologically advanced operation serving leading local and international brands while expanding its footprint across Africa.

In addition, the Women of Africa (WOA) Group celebrated the achievements of an outstanding businesswoman. The WOA KZN Top Business Woman of the Year 2026 award was presented to Advocate Michelle Phillips, group chief executive of Transnet SOC Ltd, South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics utility.

Congratulating Phillips, Advocate Pria Hassan, founder and group chief executive officer of the WOA Group, reaffirmed her unwavering belief that visionary leadership, resilience and excellence are the cornerstones of building a stronger South Africa.

Hassan said, “Michelle Phillips’ recognition as Top Business Woman of the Year 2026 is a celebration of exceptional leadership and a testament to what can be achieved through courage, vision and perseverance. Her stewardship of Transnet comes at a pivotal time for South Africa, where strengthening our logistics and infrastructure is essential to unlocking economic growth and restoring investor confidence. The WOA Group, with its footprint across the energy, logistics, healthcare, engineering and infrastructure sectors, remains committed to championing leaders who drive meaningful economic growth while creating opportunities for others to succeed. On behalf of the WOA Group, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish her continued success as she continues to drive transformation and excellence within Transnet and beyond.”

Adding to the evening’s vibrant atmosphere was a performance by Shiv Shuffler and the Dhol Army. Celebrated for blending the rich traditions of Bollywood music and dance with contemporary entertainment, they delivered a high-energy performance that had guests thoroughly engaged. The WOA Group also presented Shiv with an inaugural Youth Award in recognition of his exceptional talent.

Category awards:

Entrants in the category awards were required to demonstrate that their businesses contribute meaningfully to the KwaZulu-Natal economy and operate according to the principles of King V. The award winners were:

• Standard Bank Client of the Year – Small Category: Argento Trading 117c
• Standard Bank Client of the Year – Larger Enterprise: SW360
• Manufacturing Sector: AVVO Labels
• Transport and Logistics Sector: JRS Solutions
• Family-Owned and Managed Business: Bluff Meat Supply
• Agriculture and Agri-Processing: Emseni Farming
• Business, Finance and Education: AJ Property Holdings
• Community Upliftment and Improvement: Use-It Waste Beneficiation (RF) NPC
• Renewable Efficiency – Green Initiatives: Brahman Hills Gardens, Spa, Hotel & Villas
• Employee Wellness: Capitol Caterers
• Partnership: Gagasi FM and Hollywood Foundation

Top Brand Award:

Closing the evening, the highly-anticipated winner of KZN Top Brand 2026 was announced. This coveted accolade is fiercely contested each year, with hundreds of votes cast by employees, clients, family members and friends in support of their favourite brand.

The winner, Beekman Group, is a leading South African property development and leisure hospitality company. Headquartered in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, the family-owned business manages more than 35 vacation resorts globally and services over 80, 000 members through its vacation ownership portfolio.

Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business, concluded, “To every finalist and winner, congratulations on an outstanding achievement. The businesses we celebrate tonight are not only building successful organisations; they are creating jobs, driving innovation and inspiring others to dream bigger. As always, and in line with our company motto, ‘Success Breeds Success’, it is a privilege to honour leaders who are helping shape a stronger, more prosperous future for KwaZulu-Natal.”

For more information, visit www.kzntopbusiness.com.