An inspiring tale of how we make Mzansi strong

Coming home to its original title sponsor, this year’s Investec Jewish Achiever Awards on 2 November celebrated the power of a community whose massive impact belies its small size. From retail giants to chess prodigies, to those fighting for a better South Africa, the ceremony, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, was a rousing tribute to those dedicated to making Mzansi strong. 

Take some glittering gowns and tailored suits, add a dose of schmoozing, mix in some delicious eats from Food by Flavours and the Family Bakehouse, and you have the base of a memorable evening. Combine it with electric performances, and top it all off with speeches by inspiring award recipients, and the recipe is complete. 

In his opening address, Howard Sackstein, the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards committee chairperson, discussed the proud history of South Africa’s Jewish community. In the face of the country’s ongoing challenges, innovative Jewish leaders have worked tirelessly, not only to create a better life for ordinary South Africans, but also to have a real economic impact. Many of these people and organisations have been honoured on the Jewish Achiever Awards stage over the past 26 years. 

Lauding the event’s renewed partnership with Investec and other key sponsors, Sackstein spoke of the power of collaborating with those who are also dedicated to building a better South Africa. Laurence Kaplan, the chairperson of Investec Private Bank, said the Jewish Achiever Awards and Investec shared a belief in excellence and in making a meaningful difference. 

Referencing its disproportionate impact, Kaplan said South Africa’s Jewish community made up less than 0.1% of the country’s entire population. “The power of this community and what it’s done is remarkable,” he said. 

Spectacular musical performances included those by Dylan Janse van Rensburg, the star of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Arias Anonymous, who stunned the audience with their tabletop operatic act. Another highlight was a duet version of Israeli Eurovision hit, New Day Will Rise, sung by internationally acclaimed singer, Dani Bitton, who appeared onscreen, and Janse van Rensburg, who performed onstage. 

The introduction of the event’s first ever humanoid-robot presenter, Maximus, who joined two of the Mann brothers to present the Mann Made Community Service Award, provided a glimpse into the future. The evening’s entertainment was underpinned by the hilarious commentary of master of ceremonies, comedian John Vlismas, who joked that he identified as a “he he”. 

Taste buds were dancing as attendees dined on canapés, including a sriracha salmon savoury doughnut that had everyone talking. A rosemary lamb and tomato chicken ensemble main was followed by a showstopping mixture of desserts in the form of the Callebaut Chocolate and Strawberry Leather Protea, a stunning ode to our national flower. 

Yet it was the stories of the nominees and winners that formed the heart of an uplifting gathering. Those associated with renowned brands such as Pick n Pay; Joshua Doore; Ocean Basket; Peregrine Holdings; the University of the Witwatersrand; and Monster Energy revealed the value of vision and hard work. Various humanitarians working to help single mothers; assist underprivileged communities access title deeds to their properties; or provide clean drinking water to villages across Africa, reminded us of the importance and power of purpose. 

In emotional speeches, Jeffrey and Barbara Wolf accepted the Mann Made Community Service Award for King David Victory Park as it prepares to amalgamate with King David Linksfield. Not only did their words encapsulate the legacy of a truly exceptional school, they also reminded all present of the power of Jewish education in producing some of our community’s biggest success stories. As always, the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards was proud to celebrate them all.