The Mpumalanga Exporter of the Year Awards form part of the government's export awareness programme which is aimed to facilitate the promotion of exports, expedite the integration of local companies into the global economy and to build the infrastructure for increased competition and better insight into the operations of global trade. In 2005, the category of Tourism was included in the awards to highlight the exceptional offerings available to tourists visiting the Mpumalanga province.
The winners in each category are as follows:
Manufacturing
Tourism
The overall winner of 2008 Exporter of the Year Award is Linga Longa Guest House.
Addressing the luncheon, MEC for Economic Development and Planning, Craig Padayachee praised the 2008 nominees and winners for taking advantage of opportunities and making a difference.
“I feel privileged to honour and celebrate the achievements and successes of exporting entrepreneurs, who as a way of life, do not shy away from grabbing opportunities as they arise, and convert challenges and risks into gainful endeavors,” said MEC Padayachee.
He said the finalists played a role through “growing our knowledge and services economy, protecting and expanding markets for our key industries and capital investments, and strengthening our competitiveness.”
The MEC also said the country has become a premier destination in Africa for investment and trade: “There are huge capital flows into South Africa owing to the country's good governance. Our economy is of such a high standard that foreign direct investors want a share of our banks, our telecommunications companies, our manufacturing and mining industries, and the tourism sector.”
