Elsie Harmse named Business Chamber's 2025 Business Leader of the Year

GEORGE NEWS - Elsie Harmse, co-founder and managing director of Africa Skills, was announced as the Business Leader of the Year for 2025 during a glitzy annual gala dinner of the George Business Chamber at the Protea Hotel King George on Friday night, 17 October.

Harmse told George Herald being honoured this way was deeply humbling. "My life’s work has always been about people - empowering those I lead, inspiring other leaders and making a positive difference in our community. This award is not just a personal recognition, but a celebration of the collective impact we can have when we lead with purpose and passion."

Harmse co-founded Africa Skills in 2006 as a local training initiative. It has grown over the years into a major hub for artisan development where young people earn qualifications that are internationally recognised and QCTO-accredited. One of the pillars of their training is that it is aligned with the needs of industry.

Nikki du Toit, founder and director of Lekker Nikki and Lekker in George, is the Entrepreneur of 2025.
The award for Innovator of 2025 went to Phillip Harmse, chief executive of New Business Development at UXI.
The George Herald Service Ambassador Award went to the Garden Route SPCA - George branch. Manager Sue Noakes received the reward on its behalf.
Yoliswa Mbebe of Famsa Outeniqua received the Southern Civil Defence Force Community Warrior 2025.

Nikki du Toit receiving her award from George Deputy Mayor Browen Johnson.

The other contenders for the awards who were finalists were:

Freda Kooij - Director, FK Consulting
Jenny van Wyk - Marketing Director, Clickonit
Joletta Eichweber - Marketing Strategist, Powerhouse Property Group
Pieter Erasmus - Risk, Insurance Advisor and Business Development Manager Life Style Brokers Nr 1
Yvette Lange: Director, Marvellous Maids & Foam Car Wash
Denise de Beer - Director, Sanca
Luwayda Trantaal - Chairperson, Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association
Maryna de Vries - CEO, Life Community Services
Nicola Greeff - General Manager, Regus George
Wilmari Nel - Regional Sales Manager, Core Office Solutions
Tarina Els - Founder and Director, Tarina's Perfumery
Alistair Simpson - Managing Director, R.A.W. Projects.

PHOTO GALLERY: Business Chamber awards top business and community service ambassadors for 2025

Sue Noakes receives the award for Garden Route SPCA - George Branch from Group Editors Group Sales Manager Julinda Aucamp.

The evening was a smart, festive event bringing together and celebrating business leaders, entrepreneurs and leaders in the service sector who have distinguished themselves through excellence, dedication, leadership and service to the community.

Yoliswa Mbebe of Famsa Outeniqua, Community Warrior 2025, with Gareth Rowe from Southern Civil Defence Force, sponsor of the award.

Guests embraced the opportunity to glam up in their most elegant wear and enjoyed a lovely evening with MCs Udy Obi and Milisa Piko, entertaining hosts who ensured that the programme went went off without a hitch.

Outeniqua High School participated through a beautiful choir performance and its sax players added to the festive ambience. A delicious three-course dinner was enjoyed.

The chamber's sub-committee members worked hard behind the scenes to make this a highly successful evening.

Innovator of 2025 Phillip Harmse from UXI with Deputy Mayor Browen Johnson.