South Africa boasts many young talented entrepreneurs who are excelling in business through innovation and hard work

After a two-year lapse due to the Covid 19 restrictions, Minara Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and Gala dinner 2022 was held in Durban. The event was live streamed through Media Partners Hilaal TV and Salaamedia for those who were unable to attend.

The event was graced by the presence of keynote speaker, Zunaid Bulbulia, Group Executive, Morvest Group. Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank KZN Head Consumer Client Coverage, and Muhammed Iqlaas, Director of Capital Group were amongst many captains of industry, key decision makers, professionals and community leaders.

Minara President Solly Suleman presented a very apt address on the Chamber’s role in business development which focused on collaboration to better our country’s economy and given the past two years, highlighted the need to unite and rebuild our country. He also congratulated every finalist and hopes they will each continue with the phenomenal business and community work they are currently engaging in and will work closely with the chamber to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The awards presentation commenced with a special recognition. Minara Chamber acknowledged Mr Yunus Hoosen for his exceptional trajectory of growth in a public sector agency; and his extraordinary contribution to the fields of trade, investments and economic development.

The Business Entity of the year award went to Regent Business School; accepting on behalf of Regent was Ahmed Shaik, Head of Regent Business School. Multi generation family Business, Natal Box Factory, and KZN based Palstimed Liquid manufacturers, were also finalists in this category.

The Businessperson of the year was awarded to Hanif Salat, owner and founder of Copper Chimney, amongst various other owned businesses. Mohamed Amra, leading franchisee owner of Pam Golding and Yusuf Bux, Director and founder of Multiwood Group, were also leading finalists in this category.

The evening displayed women power. Zahida Kara Suliman, Mariam Tayob Cassim and Rooksana Rashid Modan were announced as our three female finalists with Mariam Tayob Cassim winning the Businesswoman of the Year 2022.

South Africa boasts many young talented entrepreneurs who are excelling in business through innovation and hard work. This year we saw a tie in this category with Moosa Bux, founder of Pedros franchise and Talha Motala of Motala Perfume Manufacturers walking away as the Young Entrepreneurs 2022.

Young and talented pharmacist student, Yusuf Arbee, who founded the IV Wellness Institute also being a finalist.Durban based Author Fiona Khan was announced as the Professional Achiever 2022 after being nominated with Yunus Hoosen, CEO Invest SA, and audiologist and lecturer, Dr Shabnam Abdoola.

This year Minara Chamber of Commerce gave special recognition to four exceptional community builders who have worked selflessly in supporting South African communities over many years and especially over the past two years of the Covid pandemic. The Community builder recipients 2022 were Yasiera Mahomed Suliman of Caring Sisters network, Ashref Ismail who has actively played a role in development of road safety for over 25 years, Azhar Vadi one of the founding directors of Salaam Foundation, and community activist Ahmed Paruk who has played a vital role in many community projects and burial services over the years.

Minara Chamber of Commerce congratulates all winners and finalists of 2022 on their achievements and anticipates working together post this event to build future leaders and lead by example for generations to follow.

Minara Chamber extends its appreciation to all major partners Standard Bank, Capital Group and Amka Group and Lift Airways for their contribution to a successful event and their support to the Chamber.

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