Awards in recognition of prominent and excelling business personalities were presented at the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s annual Business Personality of the Year Awards ceremony on Friday, May 14.

The sought-after Local Businessman of the Year trophy was received by Mr Jan Kleynhans of Mike’s Kitchen. This award is given to a local businessperson with moral principles and who has a well-respected business of good standing. The other two finalists in this category were Messrs Adrian Joubert of Woolworths and Lucas Vermeulen of LCV.

“It is a great nomination and I feel very small. I thank the people of this town, without whom Mike’s Kitchen would not have been there,” said Kleynhans.

The gala evening was hosted at Northgate Lodge, who was one of the sponsors of the evening.

Mr Marius van de Vyver of Amakozi Pest Control received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which is given to a relatively new business that is not part of a franchise and that utilises a new idea, concept or service. Mr Delson Ndou of H & N Cleaning Service was the other finalist in this category.

The Newsmaker of the Year award went to Mr Charles Leach for positively promoting Limpopo, in his case by attracting international attention with his contribution to the research and publicising of the skirmishes and heritage of the Soutpansberg and surroundings. The other finalist was Mr Frans Prinsloo of the Soutpansberg Ratepayers Association.

The Chamber’s tourism award is given to a member who makes a contribution to the development of the region’s tourism. The Salt Shaker of the Year Award went to Ms Zeena Lambrecht of the Khoroni Hotel. The other finalists were Gateway Lodge and Mountain Inn Hotel.

The Corporate Manager of the year Award was received by Mr Dries Rossouw of the South African Post Office. 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 Messrs Bernie van der Merwe from Alert Steel and Johan McDermott of ZMC Milling.

Pick ‘n Pay is the 2010 Corporate Company of the Year for their contribution to the economic growth and welfare in the region. The other two finalists were Louis Trichardt Superspar and P&L Hardware.

Not only did all the elegant guests celebrate with the award winners, but they also welcomed the new chairperson of the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Mr Iain Purdon. Mr Riaan Bosshoff is the new vice-chairperson and the executive members are Messrs Willie Botha, Lucas Vermeulen, ZC Pretorius, Brian du Plooy, Rex Dlamini, Col van Heerden, Ms Tanya Muller and Ms Elsabé Bezuidenhout, who is the secretary of the Chamber.

Purdon emphasised the importance of recruiting new members. The mission of the Chamber is to effectively protect and promote the interests of business. They have the objective to help their members to grow their businesses and fulfil a leading role in their communities. The Chamber promotes the private enterprise system and a market–orientated approach with equal opportunities for all. They formulate the policy and viewpoint of business on key issues that affect it and they strive to influence the environment constructively. The Chamber wants to help business adapt to realities that cannot be changed.

Other sponsors of the evening were First National Bank, Link Pharmacy, Makhado Crossing, Maranga Phanda Office National, Soutpansberg Tourism and the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce.

While the guests who attended the glittering evening enjoyed their scrumptious meal, they were entertained by Afrikaans vocalist Adam Tas.