Time to nominate the Jewish achievers of 2026

Nominations for the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Awards are officially open. 

Who will join the ranks of South Africa’s most remarkable Jewish leaders, innovators, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers? 

The search has begun for the individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication have helped shape South African society and inspire those around them. 

For 27 years, the Jewish Achiever Awards have stood as the community’s highest recognition of excellence. More than an awards ceremony, it’s a celebration of achievement, resilience, leadership, and the extraordinary contribution South African Jewry continues to make across every sphere of national life. 

Over the years, the Achiever stage has honoured some of the country’s most respected business leaders, innovators, professionals, philanthropists, and community builders. Their stories reflect not only personal success, but a commitment to creating opportunities, uplifting others, and leaving a lasting impact on South Africa. The awards have become synonymous with recognising those who embody excellence while remaining dedicated to the values of service, leadership, and community. 

This year’s awards continue that proud tradition. 

Among the honours to be awarded are the Investec Professional Excellence Award, recognising exceptional achievement and leadership within a chosen profession; the Investec Business Leadership Award, celebrating visionary business leadership and impact; and the Europcar Women in Leadership Award, honouring outstanding women whose influence has shaped business, public life, philanthropy, academia, the arts, and the broader community. 

Entrepreneurial innovation will be recognised through the Eric Ellerine Entrepreneur Award, while the Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star Award will shine a spotlight on achievers aged 30 and under who are already making their mark. 

The awards also celebrate those whose greatest achievements are measured through service to others. The Bertie Lubner Humanitarian Award in Honour of Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris recognises compassion and commitment to improving lives, while the Mann Made Community Service Award honours individuals whose dedication has strengthened and enriched Jewish communal life. 

Excellence in the arts, sport, science, and culture will once again be celebrated, while the prestigious Kirsh Family Lifetime Achievement Award in Honour of Helen Suzman recognises a lifetime of leadership, achievement, and service that has left an enduring legacy. 

The Jewish Achiever Awards 2026, in partnership with Investec, will take centre stage on 1 November when the community gathers for one of its most anticipated annual events. 

At a time when stories of division and uncertainty often dominate headlines, the Jewish Achiever Awards offer something different: a chance to celebrate excellence, recognise leadership, and honour individuals whose achievements remind us of what is possible. 

The challenge now belongs to the community. 

Whether it’s a pioneering entrepreneur, an inspiring professional, a tireless volunteer, a groundbreaking scientist, an accomplished artist, or a humanitarian changing lives, the next Jewish Achiever could be someone whose story deserves to be told. 

Nominate now on https://bit.ly/ja26nom