Kariega-based CEO Scoops Prestigious National Business Award

Jeeva, a well-known philanthropist through his feeding scheme, received the accolade with enthusiasm and considers it a major boost for businesses based in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) and surrounds.

“Alhamdulillah (all praise and thanks belong to Allah), I am deeply grateful. The award carries my name, but it reflects the efforts of our team and the support of our Chairman, Mr Yusuf Jeeva, my family, customers, suppliers and community.

"It is a proud moment and a reminder to keep earning the trust that has brought us this far.

“It shows that a business rooted in Kariega can earn recognition on a national platform. Our region has hardworking people and entrepreneurs with tremendous potential," he added.

"I hope this achievement encourages others to build businesses here, create opportunities and believe in what they can achieve from Nelson Mandela Bay.”

The Minara Chamber of Commerce celebrated business excellence, leadership and community impact at its Business Recognition Awards 2026 and Gala Dinner, held at NMJ Conference Centre in Durban last Friday.

Minara President Ebrahim Patel emphasised the importance of building an inclusive economy through entrepreneurship, partnerships and opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

The 2026 awards reaffirmed Minara’s commitment to recognising excellence, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering collaboration towards a stronger, more inclusive economic future for South Africa.

Fikile Msiza, Standard Bank’s provincial head of business banking in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and investing in business growth. Standard Bank is the headline partner of the Minara Business Recognition Awards.

In South Africa the spaza shop business sector is viewed as part of our cultural heritage. According to Pepsi-bottler BevCo, data showed in 2024 that more than 70% of households rely on the informal retail market for their everyday needs.

The informal economy is dominated by spaza shops, which largely mimic the formal retail sector and are estimated to be worth around R180 billion annually.

According to Jeeva, whose business supplies this sector, spaza shops are “the backbone of the township economy and are the most visible and vivid scenery, depicting the vibrancy of township life”.

Asked what has shaped his approach to building and sustaining the family business since it was founded in Kariega, in 1999, Jeeva said their trusted philosophy is understanding customers, buying competitively and delivering consistently.

“In wholesale and retail, people need dependable supply and genuine value. Balancing affordability with a sustainable business requires discipline, hard work and strong relationships. Our promise of 'saving you the most' keeps that purpose clear,” he said.

My focus is sustainable growth: better buying, stronger service, developing our people and making online shopping and delivery more useful to customers. The award is a milestone that encourages us to keep improving. Our customers should experience that progress in their everyday dealings with Afri-Save.

Afri-Save Group is community driven, said the Muir College alumni who joined the family the business upon passing matric in 2006. Their community work has been carried out through Afri-Save Cares initiative, which includes feeding needy communities, support for elderly people, food-parcel distribution and disaster relief in the Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We provide a hot, nutritious meal every day to needy and impoverished children in Kariega. We work with many humanitarian organisations and have become a dependable point of contact for disaster-relief support, responding swiftly on the ground when communities need help.

"During the Kariega flooding in May, for example, we offered free soup, coffee and phone-charging facilities at our store, while helping mobilise food, supplies and volunteers.

"We also arrange free medical-screening drives in communities around Kariega, mainly in disadvantaged areas.

"The focus is on early detection, basic health awareness and helping people access appropriate care before problems become more serious.

"Our work with older people has included well over 200 visits involving old-age homes.

"We believe in acknowledging and honouring our elders and their wisdom. We welcome them to the store for an outing, a good meal and, of course, dessert. No shopping is required. It is about dignity, companionship and making people feel valued," he added.

Jeeva is driven to get personally involved, not out of obligation, but because their business operates on a strict ethos of giving back more to the province than they receive.

“We are an essential community pillar, and when our people are hurting, we show up,” he said.

Jeeva’s message and advice to aspirant entrepreneurs is to start with a real customer need. Know your costs, honour your commitments and build a reputation for reliability. Be prepared to do the everyday work yourself, seek advice and learn from setbacks. Trust is built through consistent actions, and that foundation matters as much as ambition.