Last week to nominate achievers

With just one week before nominations close for the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Awards, the response from the community has already exceeded expectations. 

More than 300 nominations have been received so far, putting this year’s awards on track to become one of the strongest nomination drives in the event’s history. Whether it proves to be a record or not, one thing is already clear: an extraordinary number of South African Jews make an impact that far outweighs the community’s size. 

A community of fewer than 50 000 people has consistently produced business leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, artists, sports stars, and humanitarians whose influence extends well beyond the country’s borders. Time and again, Jewish South Africans build industries, drive innovation, strengthen communities, and make an impact around the world. 

The Investec Jewish Achiever Awards were established to recognise individuals whose leadership, vision, and commitment have made a lasting difference. Over close on three decades, the awards have become a celebration not only of individual excellence, but of the values that underpin the community: resilience, innovation, generosity, and a determination to make South Africa stronger. 

The pages of the SA Jewish Report have chronicled many of their remarkable journeys. Last year’s Business Icon winner, Dion Friedland, shared how determination and a willingness to challenge convention helped him build one of South Africa’s best-known retail brands, Dion Stores. Humanitarian Award winner Sivan Yaari has transformed the lives of millions across Africa by bringing clean water and electricity to remote communities. Veteran politician Tony Leon reflected on a lifetime of public service after receiving the Professional Excellence Award, while boxing trainer Colin Nathan was recognised for guiding South African fighters to the pinnacle of the sport. Their achievements are very different, yet they all embody the spirit the awards seek to celebrate. 

The awards are as much about discovering the next generation of achievers as they are about recognising established names. Every year, nominations uncover inspiring stories of people quietly making a profound difference, often without seeking recognition. 

With nominations closing in just one week’s time, it is now up to the community to ensure no deserving individual is overlooked. Whether it’s an entrepreneur creating jobs, a doctor transforming lives, a scientist breaking new ground, a volunteer strengthening the community, or a young leader already making an outsized impact, this is the opportunity to ensure their contribution is recognised. 

Nominations for the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Awards close at 17:00 on 7 August, with the awards ceremony taking place on 1 November. 

If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated, now is the time to nominate them.