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 on Friday, 15 November.

Several awards were handed out during the evening in recognition of local businessmen and -women who excel in terms of growth, development and service delivery. The ever-popular Mathys Roets entertained guests at the ceremony with some of his well-known classics, as well as a few new songs from his new DVD.

The prestigious Local Businessperson of the Year trophy was received by Mr Robert Rauch of DinnerMates. 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 Messrs Eddie Schlesinger of Werda Toyota and Schalk Corbett from Geoland Surveyors.

In the other much-sought-after category, that of Entrepreneur of the Year, the trophy was shared by Elizma Pöhl from Hennetjies Nes and Anri Fourie of Sticky Toffee. The other finalist in the category was Trim and Tone Gym. This award is given to a relatively new business which is not part of a franchise, which boasts a new idea, concept or service.

The Newsmaker of the Year award this year went to Casper-John Venter and Marco Marcos, the town’s very own young rhino conservationists. They started a charity project called Rhino Peace that raises money for Rico, the rhino-horn sniffer dog. This year they raised more than R50 000 towards Rico’s fund to help him in the fight against rhino poaching. Other finalists were Sandy van Niekerk, who is currently the international president of the Agora Club, and Lucas Vermeulen. 

The chamber’s tourism award, the Salt Shaker of the Year trophy, was given to a couple who made a contribution to the development of the region’s tourism. Mountain Inn Hotel clinched the award, while Madi a Thava Lodge and @139 on Munnik Guest House were the two other finalists.

The Corporate Manager of the Year award was received by Mr Grant Phillipson of Game Makhado. 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 Mr André Muller of First National Bank and Meril Botha of Standard Bank.

Louis Trichardt Superspar is the 2013 Corporate Company of the Year for their contribution to the economic growth and welfare in the region. The other two finalists were CTM and Hyundai.

Various certificates of appreciation were also awarded to members of the community for outstanding service and commitment to excellence. Eldine Peli, a social worker from Makhado (Louis Trichardt) received the Performer of the Year certificate. Col Rambau of the Makhado SAPS was awarded for Outstanding police service, Mr Louis Linde of Louis Trichardt Primary for Outstanding Educational contribution, Drs Nada Corser and Anton Stroebel for Outstanding Health Contribution and Mr Sakkie Mutshinyali, Makhado municipal manager for Public Official of the Year. Secretary of the Year was Cornelia du Preez of Harcourts.

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, Ms Jana Smith. Smith took over from Lize Strauss, who had served as president for two years running. Strauss relocated to Polokwane during 2013, and had to hand over the reins to Smith.