Ajen Sita, CEO for EY Africa says, "In celebrating 18 years of the World Entrepreneur Awards Programme, we have seen diverse examples of high-growth businesses, all of whom have innovated and achieved remarkable feats within their lines of business. This year's finalists are playing a vital role in creating and sustaining economic growth. As a group they contribute a combined 31 000 jobs to the economy and have grown their businesses by an average of 23% over the last three years - well in excess of GDP growth rates."
EY's Lifetime Achievement Award was also awarded on the night to one of South Africa's legendary and truly iconic entrepreneurs, Jannie Mouton of PSG Group. Mouton's vision and dream to start PSG Group, together with his deep commitment to developing high-impact entrepreneurial businesses is an inspiration to many.
CJ Kujenga, Strategic Growth Markets Leader for Africa says, "The achievements of the winners should serve as encouragement to budding entrepreneurs and the award clearly demonstrates that Southern Africa can produce entrepreneurs that can compete with the best in the world whilst having a significant impact on their communities. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated that beyond adversity, there is prosperity. The arduous road they have travelled in stoically building their companies is very humbling and inspirational."