The Minara Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and Gala Dinner 2019 was an evening of networking. The gala dinner was attended by businesspersons, professionals, community leaders, 18 dynamic finalists and six winners from Durban, Gauteng and Cape Town.

The event was graced by the presence of MEC Mrs Nomusa Dube-Ncube who delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the importance of building the economy and updated guests on planned business opportunities.

The Minara Chamber President Solly Suleman presented an apt address on the Chamber's role in business development which focused on collaboration to better our country's economy. 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 and encourage women in business development.

The awards presentation commenced with Lifetime Achiever awards being presented posthumously to Dr Shoukat Ali Thokan and Ebrahim Gangat. They were honoured in the presence of their families and communities for their selfless work in contributing to social development in South Africa.

The Business of the Year award went jointly to SAFY Group and Osman Optical group. The award was accepted on behalf of the SAFY Group by Yusuf Moola, director, and by Mr Waheed Osman, owner of Osman Optical. They both thanked the Almighty and their teams for the success of their respective companies. The third finalist in this category was Buildrite Hardware which also has grown dynamically to operate several branches creating employment in various areas.

The Businessperson of the year was won by Mr Younus Moosa, owner of several business houses within the hospitality industry.

Young and talented software developer Ms Zakia Salod walked off with the Professional achiever 2019 title. Yusuf Kharwa (CA, Partner) of PWC and Professor Sindile Amina Ngubane were the other two outstanding finalists in this category.

Cape Town Business-woman Zakierah Palekar was a proud recipient of the Businesswoman of the Year 2019.

Uzair Essack Director of Cape Crop won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Successful entrepreneurs in this category included Riyadh Cassim and Naadir Ghatoo both from the Province of Gauteng.

The evening displayed women power as our three female finalists, Nasrin Kadwa, Nuraan Osman and Shenaz Ghood in the Community Builder category showed their selfless commitment in each of the provinces. Mrs Shenaz Ghood was awarded as winner for founding the Dignity store in Gauteng.

Programme Director, Ameen Hassen, Head of Standard Bank Shariah Division, announced the winners in the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary competition 2019. Winning in the Debut category was former Deputy Minister of Basic Education Mr Enver Surty and established writer Kirsten Miller was awarded for the second year in the Main category. 

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