The Western Cape’s brightest innovators took the spotlight at the annual Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards held at Cape Town City Hall yesterday (1 June).

The awards, now in their second year, were jointly hosted by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cape Higher Education Consortium.

The awards recognise innovative solutions whether original or adapted that have demonstrated sustainable success and delivered tangible benefits to businesses and the economy in the Western Cape.

Jacques Moolman, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said: “The awards are to recognise people who put themselves out there and have innovative thinking. It’s about businesses, organisations and government that create initiatives that better the society.”

He said the awards aim to recognise innovation across all sectors, including business and government, that delivers a direct economic impact while also creating broader social benefits.

“I urge organisations, universities and other government spheres to enter and be recognised. There is innovation out there that is not always seen and shared and this is an opportunity to share it to the greater benefit to society and the economy of South Africa,” said Moolman.

Award Categories

A total of 13 awards were bestowed across six categories which included Core Industries and Business, Workforce and Human Capital and Research and Development among others.

Winners ranged from a small non-profit social enterprise to large government departments, all recognised for initiatives making a positive impact on job creation and economic progress.

A Cape Town-based non-profit company (NPC), Taking Care of Business, was one of four winners in the Core Industries and Business category.

The NPC redirects surplus product from over 2 000 retail stores to help launch micro-enterprises.

Tracey Chambers, co-founder of Taking Care of Business (TCB) and Grow ECD, said having your work recognised is a “special moment”.

“TCB is able to do this work because of the generous spirit of the many businesses that donate their excess stock to our various programmes (Resell, Repair, Remake). To date more than 24 million items have been diverted from landfill and that has been used to start 8600 small businesses that change the trajectory of families.”

Economic Growth

Other winners included The Bluebird Group SA, which provides door-to-door workforce transport. And Research and Development company Fluorobiotech, which produces recombinant proteins, the most expensive ingredients in medicines and vaccine production.

While the Shoprite Group’s Sixty60 e-commerce delivery service, which has created over 18,000 jobs, and the V&A Waterfront’s new R230-million superyacht marina development, were among the big-name winners on the night.

Event speakers included Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

Addressing guests, Hill-Lewis reaffirmed the City’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment while congratulating the Cape Chamber for recognising businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation.

A full list of the winners can be found on the Cape Chamber website.

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