Skip to main content

The best-run companies in South Africa

| Awards and achievements

The inaugural Top 500 Awards were held at Melrose Arch on Tuesday (7 March) listing the best-managed companies cross over 100 different business sectors in South Africa.

The ranking uses a methodology designed in conjunction with the University of Cape Town’s Development Policy Research Unit. It covers three key metrics including financial performance, empowerment, and policy and accreditation.

According to the criteria, the winning companies have to not only excel in their specific sectors, but also have to have a strong set of social, empowerment and development policies in place.

Anglo American South Africa was awarded the top prize as the best-managed company in South Africa, beating out stiff competition from favourites Naspers, Zeder Investments and Woolworths.

Other big award winners included Mercedes Benz South Africa, Woolworths, Adcorp, Bidvest, EOH and Flight Centre.

Viewed collectively, the companies standing for awards comprised the majority of the regional economy, employing over 800,000 people and contributing a total of R109 billion towards economic growth every year, said Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media.

Their importance was echoed by keynote speaker home affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba, who emphasised the importance of reigniting economic growth and building a South Africa that is inclusive to all.

The full list of winners in the biggest award categories are detailed below.

Sector

Company

Resources

Anglo American South African Ltd

Basic Industries

Engen Petroleum Ltd

General Industrials

Bidvest Group Ltd

Consumer Goods

Mercedes Benz South Africa

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Discovery Health Medical Scheme

Retail

Woolworths Holdings Ltd

Hospitality

Flight Centre

Media

Napsers Limited

Business Support Services

Adcorp Holdigs Limited

Transport

Bidvest Panalpina Logistics

Financial Services

Standar Bank of South Africa

ICT

EOH Holdings Limited

Overall winner

Anglo American South African Ltd

 

 

Pin It

Related Articles

Following a series of international award wins in 2024, Nedbank has, once again, reinforced its position as the leading bank for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Shoprite Group was awarded the inaugural Grand Prix: Sustainability honour during the 15th annual  Brand Africa 100 | South Africa’s Best Brands rankings announcement in Johannesburg.  
The SPAR Group has been honoured at the Product of the Year South Africa (POYSA) gala event, with its SPAR Signature Selection Pressed & Squeezed Fruit Juice coming out on top in the annual Kantar survey of over 2000 respondents.
The Partnership Between The FOODTOWN Group (A Division Of Unitrade Management Services) And Our African Entrepreneurs Bibi Cash And Carry Group Reflects What Our Rainbow Nation Can Do Together! We Are Better Together.
Up against more than 250 competing entries from South Africa’s biggest brands, Pick n Pay and agency partner Gorilla scooped nine trophies out of their ten shortlisted entries, including the coveted “Best in Show” Industry Award, at the 2025 MMA Sma…