Four young South African businessmen were awarded by the South African Chapter of the global Entrepreneur’s Organisation at its annual awards last night as the Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The awards recognise the contributions of local innovators in identifying opportunities, establishing companies, creating employment and contributing to the South African economy.

The winners were Uri Krost of Krost Shelving, Randal Wahl of Wahl Industries, Mark Levy of Digital Planet and Steve Liptz of 36ONE Asset Management.

“We award members who exemplified the traits and values of the Entrepreneur’s Organisation,” says Orrin Klopper, Entrepreneur’s Organisation Chairman.

“Candidates were measured across a range of quantitative and qualitative criteria, including business performance, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, business potential and the personal impact of the individual on their company.”

When new members join, they are assigned to a forum or group, and go through rigorous training run by an international Organisation member. Currently there are four different forums in the South African chapter, each with around ten members.  Every forum nominated one member to be awarded.

The South African chapter is sponsored by RMB Private Bank and Ernst & Young, and was recently the winner of the best new chapter globally.

Sean Farrell, CEO of RMB Private Bank says, “This is an invaluable opportunity for RMB Private Bank to support local entrepreneurs. We are proud to be playing a role in assisting future leaders and business growth in South Africa. Our sponsorship confirms our belief in people development.”

Kim Murray, head of entrepreneurship at Ernst & Young says, “Ernst & Young is proud to be associated with the organisation.  Entrepreneurship is a vital force in the South African economy, holding the potential for job creation and economic growth which the country is in dire need of.  Ernst & Young salutes the winning entrepreneurs, all of whom serve as an inspiration.”