Local businesses honoured at awards gala

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Guests at the annual Mossel Bay Business Chamber Awards were dressed to impress for a night of celebration and fine dining at the Diaz Hotel in Mossel Bay on Friday 21 November.

Following the theme of coastal elegance, the evening honoured the best of Mossel Bay's local businesses, big and small.

The winners throughout the evening were:
• Business Person of the Year – Jurgens Bosman
• Large Business of the Year – VE Reticulation Company (Jurgen Bosman and Maans van Niekerk)
• Medium Business of the Year – Salt & Copper
• Small Business of the Year – Henven Verkoeling
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Arthur Rodan
• Ambassador of the Year – Fanus Truter
• Special Award – Marco van Niekerk (D.A.M – Disability, Accessibility Mossel Bay)

Guest speaker for the evening was Group Editors CEO Servaas de Kock, who spoke of recognising and capitalising on business opportunities that arise, the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world, maintaining a work-life balance and the importance of personal growth.

Group Editors CEO Servaas de Kock. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz

"We often think that spending 20 years in a profession gives you that personal capacity. You've been in this job for 20 years now, so you should know what's going on here. But if you don't set challenges for yourself every day, if you don't ask yourself, 'how can I grow myself, how am I going to increase my personal capacity?', you're not going to be able to thrive in that environment," he said.

Also showcasing their business and entrepreneurial skills were five learners from Curro Mossel Bay and Point High School.

Mia Botha, Tanya Bothma, Meecha Engel, Tawananyasha Bredason and Rouxle O'Niel wowed guests with their presentations and innovative business ideas throughout the gala.

Junior entrepreneur winner, Tawananyasha Bredason from Point High School, took home a prize of R5 000 for her business known as 'XLNT', to continue her self-made skincare and relaxation products, which include lip balms, body butters, bath bombs and more, all made with organic honey.

Meecha Engel, Tawananyasha Bredason, Rouxle O'Niel, Mia Botha and Tanya Bothma, five junior entrepreneurs who showcased their business plans. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz