FNB KZN Top Business Portfolio Award-winners announced

The judging criteria include organisation's contribution to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal, and the principles embodied in the 2009 King Report on Corporate Governance (King III). Factors such as brand and reputation, stakeholder relations and goodwill, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and quality of governance are all taken into account.

FNB's KZN provincial head, Preggie Pillay, said: "We believe that through this form of recognition to businesses that are setting the standard, we can motivate other business owners to strive for excellence in the future. Ultimately, this should impact on the economic growth of not only KwaZulu-Natal, but also South Africa."

The awards are a platform to celebrate the successful companies and organisations that operate and contribute to the sustained economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal. An award is given in each economic sector to businesses and organisations.

The winners in each category were:

• Clean Audit Award: Umtshezi Local Municipality
  
• Agriculture: Tongaat Hulett
  
• Mining and Quarrying: Corobrik
  
• Manufacturing: PFK Electronics
  
• Utilities: Umgeni Water
  
• Trade: Mr Price
  
• Transport, Storage and Communication: King Shaka International Airport
  
• Financial and Business Services: SmartXchange
  
• Recreation, Education and Social Services: Gold Circle
  
• Tourism: Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment
  
• Municipal (Promotion): ilembe District Municipality
  
• Government (Promoting socio-economic growth): KZN Provincial Planning Commission (KZN Premier's Office)
  
• Partnership: Industrial Development Corporation
  
• KZN Top Brand: The Sharks

The KZN Top Brand Award allows the people of KZN to get involved through two online polls. Over 360 brands contested for the top-10 positions, which went through to second round of voting, in which The Sharks obtained the most votes. This win was followed closely by East Coast Radio in second place and The Unlimited in third place.

The 15th edition of the KZN Top Business Portfolio was also launched at the occasion. Publisher Lalita Dhasiar-Ventura said: "The Portfolio and Awards are used to raise awareness of KwaZulu-Natal's vibrant and robust economy. By showcasing success through the achievements of the various companies and organisations operating here, we also promote KwaZulu-Natal as a first-rate business destination. We would like to congratulate and thank all those entered the awards and wish you well in your future endeavours."