HELD in Gqeberha on October 20, the Eastern Cape Exporter of the Year Awards celebrate local businesses making an international impact and showcases the talent and tenacity of some of the province’s top economic contributors.
2023 Exporter of the Year category and merit award winners:
- Merit Award for the SJM Environmental Award – Lumotech.
- Merit Award for the SJM Environmental Award – Isuzu Motors South Africa.
- Winner of the SJM Flex Environmental Award – Volkswagen Group South Africa.
- Merit Award for the IDC Job Creation Award – S4 Integration.
- Winner of the IDC Job Creation Award – Lumotech.
- Merit Award for the Best Service Provider of Services to Exporters – Toyota Material Handling (recognised for Innovation).
- Winner of the Best Provider of Services to Exporters – BLG Logistics of South Africa.
- Merit Award for the Best Small Business Exporter – Microcare Solar (recognised for Innovation).
- Winner of the Best Small Business Exporter – Marina Sea Salt.
- Winner of Best Medium Enterprise Exporter – S4 Integration.
- Merit Award for Best Corporate Exporter – Lumotech (recognised for New Contracts).
- Merit Award for Best Corporate Exporter – Purem Port Elizabeth (recognised for New Contracts).
- Winner of Best Corporate Exporter – Shatterprufe.
- Merit Award for the Best OEM Exporter – Volkswagen Group of South Africa (recognised for Capital Investment).
- Winner of the Best OEM Exporter – Isuzu Motors South Africa.
For S4 Integration, a Gqeberha-based turnkey automation and machine building solutions company. a highlight of the awards evening was the announcement of the company as the winner of the prestigious Overall Exporter of the Year award. S4 also won this award in 2018 and 2020.
Marketing manager at S4 Integration, Gideon Smith, said: “This recognition isn’t just about a singular moment in time; it is a culmination of countless hours of hard work, relentless determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Our staff is the lifeblood of our company, their dedication, resilience, and willingness to go the extra mile have made all the difference. It’s their efforts and passion that have helped us achieve this remarkable milestone.”
The company congratulated the other winners and thanked the Exporters Eastern Cape for the acknowledgement and its support throughout the year. It also extended gratitude to all its partners, customers and suppliers for their trust in their brand and unwavering support.
Isuzu Motors South Africa
“We are extremely proud to receive the Best Exporter award in the OEM category as we are fully committed to growing the business throughout Africa, with a focus on expanding our footprint and supporting trade initiatives and partnerships. Growth brings vast opportunities for us as a business, our dealers, the industry and the country,” said Penelope Mkhwanazi, senior vice president for revenue generation in rest of Africa and international markets.
Isuzu has deepened and further grown its export market from the Eastern Cape to 25 markets across the African continent culminating in the company being the number one Eastern Cape-based automotive exporter into the African continent for 2022. This has had a positive impact on revenue growth and sustainable profitability allowing the company to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Isuzu’s growth into the Africa markets has not only strengthened its own position but has also contributed to economic development and job creation. The company continues to expand its presence into numerous African countries, solidifying its reputation as a dependable and preferred choice for commercial and light commercial vehicles.
Mkhwanazi says “Over the past three years, Isuzu Motors South Africa has seen an increase in Isuzu sales by 59% in the 1-ton pick-up segment in rest of Africa markets, sub-Saharan Africa. We have achieved 195% growth of commercial vehicles in the ROFA markets when compared to the previous financial year.”
Isuzu also received the SJL Environmental Merit award for the third time recognising the interventions implemented to protect the environment.
The company achieved a 13.3% reduction in water usage and a 7,5% reduction in energy usage at all its sites while maintaining a recycling ratio of 99% for non-manufacturing facilities. Isuzu improved the recycling ratio for the main manufacturing operation, from 95% in 2021 to 97% in 2022 with all company facilities continuing to be landfill-free since 2018.
“It is an honour and privilege to receive such recognition for our collective efforts. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees and all our strategic partners which include our customers, suppliers and communities”, Mkhwanazi said.