Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
The 13th Minara Chamber of Commerce Awards ceremony was held in Durban last week, and its President, Solly Suleman, praised the government for its resolute stance in prosecuting Israel for war crimes at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Writing in the Chamber’s brochure, Suleman paid tribute to “our legal professionals and former minister Naledi Pandor, who played a pivotal role in defending our nation’s interests in standing for justice and against oppression on the global stage.”
“Their unwavering commitment has not only strengthened South Africa’s position internationally but also showcased the incredible talent and expertise we have within our borders,” he said.
He told a packed audience at the Orient Hall that the Minara Chamber of Commerce was focussing on empowering women and youth, opening up tourism opportunities, SMME and international trade, skills development and mentorship.
Guest speakers at the event included Ameen Hassan, representing the Chambers’ major sponsor, Standard Bank Shariah Finance; Farhad Omar, a media and AI expert; and Muhammad Seedat, a leading entrepreneur and media specialist.
The keynote speaker was Riaz Haffejee, Senior Vice President of the Manufacturing Support Group, Toyota South Africa. Haffejee’s insights into the evolving business landscape captivated the audience. Drawing from his vast experience, Haffejee shared valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the importance of businesses staying adaptable in a changing world. His address set the tone for an evening of reflection on the future of business in South Africa while also inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Suleman said: “Within the Chamber, we have continued to grow and evolve, consistently supporting our members and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. Our initiatives have expanded, reaching new heights in terms of impact and influence. From empowering small businesses to driving large-scale economic projects, the Minara Chamber has been a beacon of progress.
“Another achievement for Minara this year was the launch of Minara’s Cape Town chapter and the relaunch of the Gauteng chapter. “These milestones are a testament to the Chamber’s ongoing growth and the ever-increasing demand for our presence and services across the country. The expansion of our chapters allows us to better serve our members and amplify our collective voice as we continue to foster economic growth and social impact across provinces.
“The outcome of the South African elections has brought about a new era of unity and collaboration. The formation of a unity government marks a significant step forward in our journey toward national cohesion. As a Chamber, we are committed to supporting this government in its efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
“To our 2024 finalists, congratulations on your incredible achievements. Your dedication and hard work embody the spirit of excellence that the Minara Chamber stands for. We are proud to celebrate your successes and look forward to your continued contributions to our community and beyond. We thank every nomination and finalist for this year. You are each a winner in your own right”.
The Business Entity Large Category award went to 27four Investment Managers, a company that has demonstrated unparalleled growth, industry leadership and innovation. Their contribution to local and international markets has been exceptional.
In the Business Entity Medium Category, Comessa Food Services, based in the Western Cape, took the prize for its outstanding business performance, commitment to sustainability, and consistent excellence in customer service.
The Business Entity Start-up Category was awarded to Hydra Power Group, a rapidly growing company led by young Entrepreneur Sameer Khan that has pushed the boundaries of technological advancement and entrepreneurship. Their innovative approach to solving modern challenges stood out among the competitors.
The Businesswoman Category celebrated Mariam Cassim, MD of Reunion Wholesalers in Durban, whose leadership and vision in the wholesale sector has been exceptional.
In the Professional Achiever Category, Abdullah Verachia, a sought-after global strategist, author and advisor, was recognised for his dedication and achievements to the professional field.
