Seasoned ICT forerunner and Datacentrix CEO Ahmed Mahomed has been honoured for his leadership and wealth of experience at executive management level, receiving the coveted title of ‘Businessperson of the Year’ at the recent Minara Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala dinner. In 2015, Mahomed was selected as a finalist in the Master Entrepreneur category of the EY World Entrepreneur Award.
Held in Durban this year, the prestigious Minara Business Awards recognise and celebrate contributions made to all parts of society, and also serve as inspiration for others. Prior to the awards evening in early November, 18 high-achieving South Africans were shortlisted for categories including ‘Businessperson of the Year’, ‘Business Entity of the Year’, ‘Businesswoman of the Year’, ‘Professional of the Year’, ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, and ‘Community Builder of the Year’.
Said incoming president of the Chamber, Solly Suleman: “Our awards pay tribute to extraordinary people from across commerce, industry and professional sectors for their dedication, hard work, success and contribution to the progress of South Africa. The public puts nominees forward and three finalists are then selected per category.
“Ahmed Mahomed’s considerable experience at executive management level for several established companies, with an exceptional 17-year tenure as CEO of Datacentrix – a company with a revenue of over R3 billion and more than 1,500 skilled employees – made him the clear winner of the ‘Businessperson of the Year’ award.”
In receiving his award, Mahomed stated that these types of awards are critical for business, as leaders of industry should be setting the pace for the younger generation. “It is humbling to receive this recognition, alongside some of the brightest and best in the country. I share this award with colleagues, family and friends. Success is only achieved because of the contribution of many individuals around you.
“As leaders, we have an immense responsibility, and, in our daily interactions, we face challenges. The way in which we engage these shapes society in general. This is more so today than ever before. Injustice and unethical behaviour seem to have become an accepted norm, if not fashionable. It is our responsibility to stand up to this type of behaviour, and that takes great courage.
“It is commonplace to talk about unethical business practices as if it is restricted to the public sector, but those who feed this practice are as guilty as those who accept it,” Mahomed continued. “There is no shortage of examples of private sector complicity in the absence of any public sector involvement. The enormous negative impact on our society cannot be understated. Whilst this is not a uniquely South African phenomenon, but also a global one, the quantum in South Africa is obscene. As South Africans, we must find it within ourselves to rise above this.
“It is also critical for local business leaders, in South Africa where unemployment conservatively is north of 27 percent, to take responsibility for the creation of jobs. We need to have an impact beyond narrow interest,” he added.
The Minara Chamber of Commerce was founded in KwaZulu-Natal in 2000 to focus on uplifting and promoting business. The organisation later introduced its businesswomen’s chapter and further promotes black economic empowerment skills transfer workshops and youth development.
Edited by Daniëlle Kruger
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