The Exporters Eastern Cape launched the 30th edition of its prestigious annual Exporter of the Year awards at the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) plant in Struandale this week.
The launch host, IMSAf, walked away with multiple accolades, including the highly acclaimed Exporter of the Year Award in 2024. IMSAf produces both light and heavy commercial vehicles at its plant in Gqeberha.
This week’s event marks the opening of a new round in the competition, calling on exporters and businesses within the export value chain to demonstrate their operational excellence and industry capabilities. The glamorous awards ceremony is set to take place on 14 November 2025 at the Tramways Hall.
There are several categories in which companies can enter, these include: SJM Flex Environmental Award; SJM Flex Environmental Practice Award; IDC Job Creation Award; Best Provider of Services to Exporters; Emerging Exporter Award; Best Exporter: Small Business; Best Exporter: Medium Enterprises; Best Exporter: Corporate Category; and Best Exporter: OEM. The Overall Exporter of the Year for 2025 will be chosen from these category winners.
This year the organisation also added new categories such as the Community Chest Corporate Social Investment (CSI) award for large corporates and CSI awards for small and medium enterprises as well as the Youth Entrepreneur Exporter Award and Women-led Exporter Business Award.
Quinton Levey, Eastern Cape Exporters Chairman emphasised the significance of the event, noting that it offers Eastern Cape businesses a chance to assess their efficiency, economic relevance, and competitive edge.
“Exporters and businesses along the value chain play a critical role in driving the Eastern Cape economy. These awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate their contributions and create pride among employees,” he said.
Dominic Rimmer, IMSAf Executive Vice President - Technical Operations gave insight into the operations which currently assembles 111 bakkies and 17 trucks in its single shift. IMSAf is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the country that boasts a Level One score on the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment scorecard. Rimmer highlighted that sustainability, community and people were strategic pillars which contribute to the company’s success. He said that plans were in place to achieve environmental sustainability targets which include reducing carbon emissions by half by 2030 and attain net zero by 2050. “Our people remain a key focus in our business, as they are the driving force behind our overall performance,” said Rimmer.
Levey concluded by urging companies across all sectors to participate: “I encourage businesses to enter at least one of the award categories. This is an opportunity to spotlight the province’s leading economic sectors and celebrate our achievements.”
Entry forms can be downloaded from the Exporters Eastern Cape website at www.exportersec.co.za.
