Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Correspondent
The Minara Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2026 Business Recognition Awards which recognises outstanding achievement, leadership, innovation and contribution across South Africa’s business and professional landscape.
The finalists represent a diverse range of businesses and individuals whose achievements, leadership and contribution continue to make an impact in South Africa’s economy and communities.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, 23 October 2026, at the NMJ Conference Centre in Durban.
Ebrahim Patel, President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, said the calibre and diversity of this year’s finalists reflect the contribution being made across South Africa’s business, professional and community landscape. The Minara Chamber believes that success should be measured not only by commercial performance, but also by leadership, innovation, opportunity created and the impact made in our communities.
“On behalf of the Minara Chamber, I extend my congratulations to every finalist. Reaching this stage is in itself a significant achievement, and a reflection of the standards you have set in your respective fields.”
Solly Suleman, Chair of the Minara Awards Committee, said the response to the 2026 awards had been exceptionally strong, with the independent adjudication panel considering a high calibre of nominations across the categories.
“Selecting the finalists was not an easy process. Our awards look beyond commercial success to consider leadership, innovation, resilience, professional achievement and broader community impact.”
Rishaad Webster, Head of Business Banking Coverage KZN, said “These awards shine a light on the businesses doing the hard work of building the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Standard Bank is proud to stand alongside the Minara Chamber in recognising them, and prouder still to be on the growth journey with them. Behind every finalist is a business that has taken risks, created jobs and kept trading through a tough environment. Standard Bank’s role is to make sure ambition of this calibre has the backing it needs to keep amplifying growth.”
“The journey now continues towards the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, 23 October 2026, in Durban, where this year’s winners will be announced,” a Minara Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, at the same event, the Chamber will posthumously honour the Late Ebrahim Carrim with the Minara lifetime Achiever Recognition Award 2026.
The award recognises a life of entrepreneurship, integrity, service, philanthropy, community leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
The 2026 Finalists – Business Entity of the Year – Large
Roshgold Investments: Royal Travel; Woodford Group
Business Entity of the Year – Medium
Ethicore Group; Minnies; Food Enterprise
Business Entity of the Year – Small Business
Daily Dippers; Wonder Snacks
Businessperson of the Year
Munir Jeewa; Osman Arbee; Riaz Cotwal
Businesswoman of the Year
Bint Nur Ebrahim; Mariam Galant-Diedericks; Yasmin Essop
Young Achiever of the Year
Muhammed Paruk; Muhammad Yusuf Goga; Waheed Amanjee
Community Builder of the Year
Bilal Ismail; Haseena Azmuth; Yusuf Abramjee
Professional Achiever of the Year
Prof. Yahya Choonara; Dr Zakia Salod
For further information on the Business Recognition Awards and Gala dinner, you can email them at: awards@minara.org.za
