Finalists announced for Proudly South African Homegrown Awards

"The calibre of the 39 short-listed finalists is extremely high," says Sheryl Ozinsky, project manager, Proudly South African Homegrown Awards. "This year, the entries continue to illustrate a range of unique ways in which South African companies are visibly embracing and embodying the principles of Proudly South African in their operations and activities, and in so doing demonstrating a commitment to local content, quality, fair labour practice and environmental responsibility in their approach to business."

Winners will be announced at an event to be held at the newly built Pretoria campus of the Department of Trade and Industry. The event will also provide a platform for the finalists and Proudly South African member companies to showcase their products.

While there is no cash incentive for winning, the recognition earned and prestige gained by the Homegrown Awards finalists and winners positively impacts their business and, more importantly, their bottom-line. The benefits of being a Proudly South African member are numerous and member companies play a critical role in contributing towards economic growth and prosperity and providing South African consumers with quality local products and services.

Out of just under 200 entries, the 29 companies which produced the 39 finalists are:

• National Brands Limited
• Spur
• G.U.D. Filters
• Kellogg
• Cape Storm Outdoor Apparel
• BSG (Africa)
• Interactive Tutor/Media Works
• Firstpharm Pharmaceuticals
• Spescom
• Karan Beef
• Banditos Chile Co.
• Streetwires Artist Collective
• Polar Air
• Dawn Wing Couriers
• On-Site Training
• First National Bank
• South African Institute for Entrepreneurship
• South African Insurance Association (SAIA)
• Cerdak Bioceramic Wound Treatment Devices
• AccTech Systems
• Longspan Gutters
• Clover
• Zip Zap Circus School Trust
• Sewafrica
• LSA School of Technology
• South African Americas Cup Challenge 2007
• Enablis
• Justick International, and
• Lapdesk.