CELEBRATING 160 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN DURBAN
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated 160 years of operation in style at its annual gala dinner on the 14 April. Hosted at the Durban ICC, the glamorous event, with its theme of ball gowns, traditional wear, and suits with masks, provided many photo opportunities.
A nostalgic and outstanding tribute to Durban's growth and development over the last 160 years set the celebratory mood for the evening. According to Dumile Cele, CEO of the chamber, observing this 'significant' milestone demanded reflection of the past and a clear plan for the next century. She said, "It's about us looking forward and saying to ourselves, what will it be like doing business in Durban 160 years from now?"
#DurbanMustRise
Cele also called upon dinner guests to take part in the #DurbanMustRise campaign. The campaign already boasts support from leaders in business, civil society, labour and government.  Everyone in Durban is requested to question daily how they can make the use of the resources at their disposal and make a conscious effort to work together to achieve greatness. It is essential to get economic fundamentals right in order to achieve growth.
Key note speaker, Peter Staude, Tongaat Hulett's chief executive officer, emphasised that businesses needed to question whether or not they were, 'part of the solution or part of the problem', when dealing with current societal and developmental issues facing South Africa. He added that companies had to think beyond corporate social investment, to starting a conversation and devising innovative solutions to co-opt and inspire employees at all levels.
President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zeph Ndlovu, commented that the organisation has endured and has had to transform itself over the years in order to remain relevant. Of note is that the chamber is the biggest membership based chamber on the continent of Africa and possibly the second biggest chamber in the world. The chamber intends to continue 'lead the charge' and inspire hope and confidence in the future for today's school children.
Business Excellence Awards
The evening concluded with the announcement of finalists and winners of the annual Business Excellence Awards. These awards recognise responsible corporate citizens in all industry sectors, reflecting great commitment, social participation and innovation.
The award winners were:
Best business of the year: Adapt IT
Best business in financial services, banking, investment, professional services and automotive, travel and transport, skills and development: Standard Bank
Best manufacturing enterprise: Entyce Beverages
Best property, real estate and construction company: Acutts Group
Best hospitality, leisure and entertainment, food and beverage operation: OTGC Terminal
Best business in the well being and health sector: City Hospital
Best business in the energy sector: Enviroserv
Best business in retail: Adams & Co
Rising star:  Bakers Creationz
E-Commerce Award: Vodacom
Community/ Green Initiative: Tongaat Hulett
Innovation Award: First National Bank
Arts and Culture Award: Pick 'n Pay

Gayle Adlam
gayle@topbusiness.co.za
031 267-1977