The deadline for the Proudly South African Homegrown Awards 2005 was extended following an increase in demand by Proudly South African (PSA) member companies for an extension to submit entries, says Sheryl Ozinsky, project manager for the awards.
The annual PSA Homegrown Awards, to be held in February 2006, is part of the organisation`s drive to recognise and celebrate PSA members, their products and services, she says.
In its second year following its inaugural launch in 2004, the Homegrown Awards 2005 has seen a significant increase in overall entries, says Ozinsky.
"We have received overwhelming interest and support from all PSA members. We have therefore decided to grant a deadline extension to allow all PSA member companies the opportunity to participate and demonstrate their contribution to overall job creation and economic development," says Manana Moroka, CEO of the PSA.
Last year`s awards saw over 400 entries and Ozinsky hopes that this year`s event will better that number. Entrants will have to be paid-up members of PSA, who have qualified for their membership by meeting the criteria for joining PSA.
These criteria include 50% local content, fair labour practice and a negligible environmental impact, says Ozinsky. The awards ceremony will be held at the Department of Trade and Industry campus in Pretoria, she says.
The increase in entries is a direct result of the highly successful brand awareness campaign that has seen more South Africans actively seek out and support PSA products and services, says the PSA. Research results from 2004 show that awareness of the PSA logo has increased from 54% to 82% since January 2003.
More consumers not only recognised the logo and what it stands for, but that the logo will increasingly influence South Africans` purchasing decisions, Moroka said. PSA member companies will therefore benefit from this campaign, by achieving a greater demand of their products and services.
All PSA member companies may enter the awards, which cater for small and medium enterprises (150 employees or less) and corporate companies (more than 150 employees), says Ozinsky. The categories are:
* Proudly South African Company of the Year
* Proudly South African Product of the Year
* Proudly South African Service of the Year
* Proudly South African Innovator of the Year
* Proudly South African Exporter of the Year
* Proudly South African Bridge-Builder of the Year
There are no financial prizes to be earned but winners will benefit from national recognition of their brand and high-profile media coverage, Ozinsky says.
Members and interested parties can visit the PSA Web site or to call PSA on (011) 327 7778.
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