Unique Uitenhage firm dons SME of the Year hat
HISTORY has been made with local firm CSR-Africa taking top honours at this year’s Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Awards, a first for a company established in Uitenhage.
The awards are an initiative of the Africagrowth Institute and took place last week at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West.
SMEs, national government officials and major corporates flooded the affair that saw CSR-Africa punch above its weight to scoop SMME of the year.
Explaining how his company reached the top, Ismail Hassen, the executive director of CSR-Africa, said he had always envisioned a business which would be the only company in South Africa offering expertise for the refurbishment, modification and repair of accident-damaged, modification and refurbishment of ISO shipping containers.
CSR-Africa did not only win the Industrial Award but was also crowned South Africa SME of the Year. The company was established in 2009, positioning itself in a niche market within the shipping container industry.
“We strive to earn the respect of our customers by providing highquality service at competitive prices,” Hassen said.
According to the organisers of the event, a large number of entries were received from all over South Africa.
The judges selected five finalists in six categories.
The next step was to choose an overall winner.
Hassen, who was described as an entrepreneur who is openminded to business opportunities, is also a business consultant for international and local clients wanting to invest in South Africa in various sectors.
The SME winner attributed his success to his result-orientated approach.
He highlighted that in order to be successful in business, one needed to be a quick thinker with proven leadership capabilities, and a fresh and novel approach to all endeavours.