The AHi (formerly known as the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut) Western Cape announced the winners of a shortlist of three finalists each in six categories during the prize-giving function.
These include Business Chamber of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Beginner Small Business of the Year, Small Farmer of the Year, the Most Innovative Hospitality Business of the Year, as well as a Special Board Award.
The AHi Western Cape’s executive director, Dr Willie Cilliers, says that more than 2,000 people voted for their favourite finalist in the competition. Japie Gouws, former managing director of the ATKV, emphasised that the judging panel made up 50% of the votes, while the public made up the other 50%.
Martelize Brink, RSG broadcaster, announced Allegaartjie from Stilbaai as the winner of the Ahi’s Most Innovative Hospitality Business of the Year during this ceremony.
Brink also announced that Byron Booysen, who also appeared on kykNET’s popular programme, Boer Soek ’n Vrou, is awarded with the AHi's Small Farmer of the Year title. Booysen was also described by the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, as one of the agricultural industry's biggest assets.
Basil & Biltong from Stilbaai was also named the AHi Beginner Small Business of the Year while Care Care Clinic Stilbaai was named the AHi Small Business of the Year.
Cilliers named the Stilbaai Business Chamber, which was named the AHi Business Chamber of the Year in 2019, again as the AHi Business Chamber of the Year this year.
Special Honour
The AHi Western Cape also decided this year to award a special honour to a business chamber that has excelled.
Albert Geldenhuys, director and newly elected vice-chairman of the AHi Western Cape, presented the AHi Special Board Award of the Year to The Greater Knysna Business Chamber.
Alan Winde, the Western Cape premier, praised the honorary winners during the annual meeting for the inventive ways in which they tackled challenges by thinking out of the box.
In addition to the awards of the special honours, Hein Boshoff, digital specialist of the AHi, also introduced their brand new digital platform, www.myahi.co.za, to the public.
“The platform will connect prospective entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate companies across the business spectrum,” says Boshoff.
