Nikitta Vogl
Head of Competence Centre Events, Marketing & Membership Competence Centre Events, Marketing & Membership
+27 (0)11 486 2775 nvogl@germanchamber.co.za
Johannesburg, South Africa – The Southern African–German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCC) hosted its Annual Gala Dinner and Business Excellence Awards 2025 on 7 November at The Wanderers Club, Johannesburg.
The evening featured an official welcome by SAGCC President, Mr Peter van Binsbergen.
In his address, Mr van Binsbergen emphasised that the evening celebrated excellence, innovation, and partnership within the German–Southern African business community. He noted that the companies represented extended their impact far beyond financial performance—strengthening industries, uplifting communities, and advancing sustainable growth.
This year, the Chamber had the honour of welcoming the German Federal Minister of Health, H.E. Nina Warken, as a distinguished guest and featured keynote remarks by German Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, H.E. Andreas Peschke.
The event was also attended by Mr Maximilian Butek, who will officially assume his role as the Chamber’s new CEO in January 2025
A highlight of the evening included a partner dialogue with Forvis Mazars and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), focusing on business collaboration, investment climate, and the shared commitment to advancing economic growth between Germany and Southern Africa.
The evening concluded with the Business Excellence Awards and Chamber Partner Awards, followed by a vote of thanks from Interim CEO, Ms Alexa Gerrard, who extended appreciation to the Chamber’s sponsors and partners for their steadfast support.
Award Winners and Recognitions
Category: Excellence in Community Engagement
Nominees included Bayer (Pty) Ltd, Siemens Energy (Pty) Ltd, Schächter Sports GmbH, Henkel, Stiebel Eltron Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Absa Group Limited, BASF South Africa (Pty) Ltd, HOPE Cape Town Trust, Forvis Mazars, BMW Group South Africa, Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited, and Aurik Enterprise Development.
Winner: BMW Group South Africa
Recognised for its Pelo ya BMW Group initiative, which mobilises employees, retailers, and customers to drive education, cultural, and social projects across South Africa. BMW’s community engagement reflects a holistic approach that merges education, culture, and sustainability, setting a benchmark for corporate citizenship.
Category: Excellence in Innovation
Nominees: Aerzen, Dr. Oetker, Forvis Mazars Institute of Development, BASF South Africa.
Winner: BASF South Africa
Honoured for its Mobile Tech Lab Initiative, an innovative mobile laboratory that brings diagnostics directly to remote clients. The project demonstrates smart, efficient, and practical innovation that enhances customer service and operational excellence.
Category: Excellence in Economic Development
Nominees: Blouberg Municipality Sustainable Agriculture NPC (BMSA), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Gauteng Growth & Development Agency (GGDA), AB InBev, MAN Automotive, CONTRACT SA, Wesgro, B. Braun Medical South Africa, and Schauenburg Systems.
WINNERS:
B. Braun Medical South Africa
Recognised for its R300 million investment in expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing, job creation, and advancing healthcare innovation in South Africa.
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Honoured for strengthening German–South African trade relations through InvestSA and supporting investor engagement across industries.
Wesgro
Awarded for promoting the Western Cape as a hub for German investment and for fostering strategic partnerships and trade collaboration with the SAGCC.
Chamber Sponsor Recognition
The Chamber also acknowledged its key sponsors—BMW Group South Africa, Robert Bosch South Africa, Daimler Truck Southern Africa, Schauenburg Systems, Wilo, and Siemens—for their ongoing commitment to the Chamber’s mission. Each received a Chamber Excellence Partner Award in appreciation of their continued partnership and contribution to fostering bilateral business ties.
The SAGCC thanks all sponsors, partners, and guests for making the 2025 Gala Dinner and Business Excellence Awards a success. Together, these partnerships continue to drive collaboration, investment, and opportunity between Southern Africa and Germany.
Get in touch
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Nokwanda Kambuwa
Project Manager: Competence Centre Events, Marketing & Membership Competence Centre Events, Marketing & Membership
+27 (0)11 486 2775 nkambuwa@germanchamber.co.za -
Courtneigh Dunn
Graphic Designer and Digital Marketer Competence Centre Events, Marketing & Membership
+27 (0)11 486 2775 cdunn@germanchamber.co.za
