As South Africa grapples with slow industrial growth and persistent unemployment, one organisation continues to shine a light on the power of entrepreneurship to drive renewal. The Minara Chamber of Commerce, marking 25 years of championing business empowerment, hosted its 14th Annual Business Recognition Awards in Durban on Friday a ceremony that blended celebration, reflection and a call for decisive economic leadership.
The event gathered a formidable mix of political leaders, industry executives, diplomats and innovators, all united by a shared vision: to build a more inclusive, resilient, and entrepreneurial South Africa.
A Call for Industrialisation and Action
In his opening remarks, Ebrahim Patel, President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, reaffirmed the organisation’s founding purpose to promote entrepreneurship, empower communities and deepen South Africa’s economic participation through collaboration and ethical leadership.
“From humble beginnings, the Chamber has evolved into a respected institution — championing entrepreneurship, fostering trade and investment, and recognising excellence through our Business Awards,” Patel said. “Our focus remains not only on business success but on purpose-driven impact.”
But Patel’s message also carried urgency. Addressing policymakers and business leaders alike, he emphasised that industrialisation must become a national imperative if South Africa is to regain its economic momentum.
“Industrialisation is the cornerstone of sustainable growth the key to job creation, export expansion, and stronger local value chains,” he asserted. “We can no longer rely on strategy documents and speeches. Growth demands implementation real projects, real factories, real jobs.”
Drawing comparisons with the rapid industrial transformations of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Türkiye, Patel called for a bold industrial policy anchored in public-private partnerships, efficient bureaucracy, and measurable accountability.
Partnerships for Progress
The ceremony also underlined the importance of partnership between government and business. Patel paid tribute to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, MEC for Economic Development Rev Musa Zondi, and eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba, whose attendance signified the government’s renewed commitment to working with the private sector.
Acknowledging Standard Bank as the event’s principal sponsor, Patel commended the institution for its continued role in supporting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion a partnership that reflects Minara’s broader vision of sustainable enterprise.
Africa’s Next Frontier: Halal, Green and Digital Economies
With a shifting global economy reshaped by technology, climate policy, and new trade blocs, Patel highlighted emerging opportunities for Africa particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the green transition and the $7 trillion global Halal industry.
“South Africa’s mineral wealth positions us to play a central role in the global semiconductor and electric vehicle supply chains,” he said. “At the same time, the Halal economy spanning food, finance, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics remains one of the most promising frontiers for African entrepreneurs.”
His remarks underscored a broader message that Africa’s growth story will not be written by aid or policy alone, but by entrepreneurs who turn local innovation into global opportunity.
Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Next Generation
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of South Africa’s most dynamic entrepreneurs at the 2025 Minara Business Recognition Awards.
The winners reflect a cross-section of industries reshaping the local economy through innovation and resilience:
- Business Entity – Large Category: Gorimas
- Business Entity – Medium Category: Valternative Energy
- Business Entity – Start-up Category: Racket Rescue
- Businessperson of the Year: Ismail Simjee, CEO, Tropic Plastic
- Businesswoman of the Year: Amina Abraham, Founder, Exotic Taste
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Rishaad Joosab, CEO, Plastimed
- Professional Achiever Award: Abdool Aziz Tayob, Architect
- Community Builder Award (Joint Winners): Hafsa Carim and Hoosein Saloojee
The coveted Minara Lifetime Achiever Award 2025 was presented to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers, honouring his extraordinary humanitarian contributions.
In his keynote address, Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, delivered a compelling reflection on leadership, innovation and adaptability, urging business leaders to pair vision with purpose as they navigate South Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
As Minara enters its next chapter, the Chamber is positioning itself as a bridge between business and government, South Africa and the global market, commerce and conscience. The organisation’s work from trade missions to mentorship programmes continues to shape pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape.
“Our legacy will not be defined by what we promised, but by what we built,” Patel concluded. “The future belongs to those who act who see opportunities where others see obstacles.”
