In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2020, one of the highlights of the KZN business events calendar, will with much regret, be rescheduled. The annual event was due to take place in July.

These are unprecedented times for our country and there remains much uncertainty about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy as well as on its people. In addition, the associated governmental restrictions on holding events in the upcoming months cannot be ascertained.

Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank provincial head said, "As a good corporate citizen, the Standard Bank Group believes that by rescheduling the annual Awards we are acting in a responsible manner and with all stakeholders' interests in mind. The bank strongly supports the South African government's measures to preserve people's health and lives. We all need to do what we can to contain the spread of COVID-19."

"The annual KZN Top Business Standard Bank Awards brings people together to meet, celebrate and to be inspired by others' achievements. While we have considered a variety of options, we believe that nothing can replace the value of the actual event. Consequently, we believe that it was simply not feasible to proceed with our planning for the 2020 event," said Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business.

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards focus on organisations' and companies' successes in relationship to the economic, environmental and social spheres in KwaZulu-Natal in both the public and private sectors across a range of categories. Factors such as brand and reputation, stakeholder relations and goodwill, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and quality of governance are all considered in the formal judging process.

"While business in KwaZulu-Natal is facing many challenges, we are certain that business owners have the skill, passion and resourcefulness to ensure that they continue to thrive and prosper. We look forward to celebrating success at the next Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards," concluded Noorbhai. 

For any queries please contact: Gayle Adlam gayle@topbusiness.co.za
T: +27 31 2671977
W: www.topbusiness.co.za