The winners of the Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) Programme Awards were announced at a ceremony held in Cape Town last night. The awards honoured and recognised businesses that have demonstrated exceptional performance and growth as a direct result of their participation in the programme.
The awards were presented by the Director of Export Development and Support at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Kwanele Mkwanazi and the Team Leader for Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa for the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme at the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), Mr Michael Emmrich.
The awards were part of the two-day event on the PG Programme networking event hosted by the dtic, in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and GIZ. The event was held under the theme Driving Innovation and Partnerships for a Green and Digital Future.
The Chief Executive Officer of Thokozani Wines, Ms Denise Stubbs received an award for Partnership Engagement Excellence. The Cape Town-based firm produces award- winning wines, including their signature Thokozani SMV and Thokozani Cabernet Franc variants.
Stubbs highlighted the key role that the PG Programme played in Thokozani’s journey, saying the programme equipped the company with the tools, knowledge, and global networks to confidently expand beyond South Africa.
“It helped us build resilience and efficiency, enabling us to compete internationally while staying true to our mission of empowerment and transformation. With this recognition, Thokozani is positioned to strengthen its international partnerships, showcase South African excellence globally, and continue to grow as a transformed, women-empowered business,” expressed Stubbs.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rustenburg-based Ditsogo Group, Ms Tebogo Mosito, walked away with the Emerging Export Leader Award. Ditsogo specialises in the fabrication of metal products, steel engineering and plant maintenance. Mosito, who also participated in the programme, said she was humbled for being selected for the award.
“Spending time in Germany through the GIZ programme taught us a lot about manufacturing and producing quality products, compliance, as well as building strong trustworthy networks. The programme gave us an opportunity to learn about global trends, export markets and joint venturing on current supply chain opportunities,” outlined Mosito.
The Best Performance in Export Sales went to Ms Mahlatse Mamaila of INO-Biodiesel, the Most Improved Operational Performance went to Mr Sibusiso Nxumalo of the K20 Group, and the Innovation for Export Growth went to Ms Chantelle De Bruyn of Buttercup Farmhouse.
These companies were offered comprehensive support through business-to-business meetings, matchmaking, visits to German manufacturing facilities, and in-market training boosting technical skills, operational best practices, and export readiness.
Since its inception in 2019, the programme has benefited over 300 companies, with 289 having travelled to Germany to experience German business culture and engage with potential business partners, resulting in more than 30 business deals with German firms.
This initiative has demonstrated solid results that include equipping South African small businesses with export capabilities and securing tangible business deals. The synergy of government support, alumni networking, and market exposure continues to fuel sustained economic engagement between South Africa and Germany.
Media Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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