Investing in individuals

It is with great pride that Eric Ellerine Trust Proprietary Limited once again sponsors the Entrepreneur Award at the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards, reaffirming our commitment to recognising and celebrating entrepreneurial excellence. 

This award honours the enduring legacy of Eric Ellerine, a pioneering entrepreneur whose success was defined not only by the businesses he built, but by his passion for creating opportunities for others. 

Eric’s entrepreneurial journey began at 16, when he used his Barmitzvah money to open a single furniture store. He grew this modest beginning into Ellerine Holdings, one of South Africa’s most successful retail enterprises, with a national footprint and a listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Eric’s belief in South Africa was reflected in his dedication to creating jobs, investing in people, and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. This philosophy continues through Eric Ellerine Trust Proprietary Limited, the investment holding company through which Eric and his family have supported, and continue to support, ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses. 

At its heart, this award celebrates the qualities that Eric embodied throughout his life: resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. It recognises individuals who have the courage to pursue opportunities, navigate challenges, and build businesses that create lasting value – not only for themselves, but also for their employees, communities, and the broader economy. 

We are proud to support a platform that showcases the achievements of South African Jewish entrepreneurs. By recognising those who turn ideas into successful businesses and ambition into tangible impact, we hope to sustain the entrepreneurial spirit that remains central to Eric’s legacy. 

We congratulate all the nominees and thank the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards for continuing to celebrate the individuals whose ideas, determination, and achievements make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s future. 

Dionne Ellerine Hirschowitz