Al-Qalam 
Pictured: Business Entity Large : Viloshan Naidoo (Standard Bank); Shamsudeen Moola (Woodford) ; Essa Suleman (CEO Woodford Group); Ebrahim Patel (Minara Chamber President)
By Ismail Suder
The anti-migrant unrest in Durban is affecting businesses, communities and eroding investor confidence, but despite the gloom, courageous entrepreneurs were still ploughing money into the economy, said Ebrahim Patel, President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce.
He was addressing guests at the glittering Business Recognition Awards 2026 and Gala Dinner, hosted by the Chamber and held at the NMJ Conference Centre in Durban recently.
The prestigious event recognised outstanding businesses and individuals whose achievements, innovation and dedication continue to contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and community development.
Top honours went to the following winners:
• Business Entity of the Year – Large: Woodford Group
• Business Entity of the Year – Medium: Minnies Food Enterprise
• Business Entity of the Year – Small: Daily Dippers
• Businessperson of the Year: Munir Jeeva, CEO of Afrisave Group
• Businesswoman of the Year: Mariam Galant-Diedericks
• Young Achiever of the Year: Waheed Amanjee, Co-Founder of Whizmed
• Community Builder of the Year: Sheikh Bilal Ismail, Community leader
• Professional Achiever of the Year: Professor Yahya Choonara
Patel emphasised the importance of building an inclusive economy through entrepreneurship, partnerships and opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
“Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of enterprises and individuals. More importantly, we celebrate what those achievements represent: the courage to recognise opportunity, the conviction to invest, the resilience to navigate uncertainty, and the leadership to create value for others and contribute to our economy.”
“We meet at a difficult moment in a world defined by extraordinary uncertainty. The relationship between economic power, technological capability and human capital is changing rapidly. Geopolitics is reshaping trade, technology and artificial intelligence are redefining productivity, and economic uncertainty is forcing governments, businesses and societies to reconsider what resilience truly means.
“These are not separate challenges. They are interconnected forces that are redefining our world – and they require a considered and collective response.”
He pointed out that across Europe, high fuel prices, the rising cost of living, housing shortages and pressure on public services have led to social unrest. “These are the very pressures felt by our own citizens. What is our strategy to respond to these challenges?
“In Durban, recent unrest has affected businesses, communities and investor confidence, while the images circulating internationally have sent concerning signals to investors and trading partners.
“As the local government elections approach, there is understandable anticipation and anxiety within the business community. Whatever the electoral outcome, our priorities must remain clear: effective governance, accountability and a constructive partnership between government and business. Our economy cannot afford prolonged uncertainty or delays in implementing the commitments made in election promises.
He said Government, business, labour and civil society must work together to restore confidence, strengthen social cohesion, widen economic participation and create conditions in which investment can flourish.
“At the global level, geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global markets. Trade is increasingly influenced by strategic rivalry, national security, industrial policy and geopolitical alignment. The escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran has pushed inflation higher and increased borrowing costs for businesses and consumers alike.
“For South African businesses already operating under pressure, the consequences are substantial. For households and consumers, it is financially devastating.”
Patel said history has taught us that “uncertainty” was also the environment in which leadership was being tested. “It reminds us of an important truth: that in an interconnected world the nations and businesses that emerge stronger are not those that avoid disruption but those that adapt with speed, discipline and purpose.
“South Africa has overcome difficult chapters before. We have demonstrated the capacity to rebuild, to innovate and to find common purpose when the circumstances demand it – we must draw on that same capacity now,” he added.
