ITALCHAM
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026
Press Release
A Timeless Duel of Excellence: The 2026 Business Excellence Awards
15 May 2026
The Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries proudly hosted the 2026 edition of its prestigious Business Excellence Awards on the evening of Friday, 15 May, at the elegant @Sandton Hotel. This distinguished occasion brought together prominent figures from both the Italian and South African business communities and institutions to celebrate excellence, leadership, and the enduring strength of cross-cultural collaboration.
Set against the striking theme of Black and White, inspired by the timeless game of chess, the evening embodied strategy, precision, and bold decision-making — qualities that define true business excellence. Guests were immersed in an atmosphere of refined sophistication, while a captivating opera performances by the Loveline Foundation singers throughout the evening added a powerful and emotive dimension to the night. Renowned broadcaster Neil Andrews returned as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening with his signature professionalism and charm.
The formal programme commenced with an address by the Deputy Head of Mission of Italy to South Africa, who reflected on the strength of the bilateral relationship and the continued growth of Italian enterprise within South Africa. His remarks were followed by acknowledgements of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and supporting business development across industries.
A Celebration of Enterprise and Vision
The evening honoured organisations that continue to redefine their industries through innovation, growth, and ambition.
The SME Enterprise of the Year Award was awarded to Settebello, a Johannesburg-based restaurant that has become a cornerstone of both the Italian and local community. Renowned for its authenticity and exceptional quality, Settebello is one of only two establishments in Africa to hold the prestigious Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (APN) certification. Beyond its commercial success and recent expansion, the business stands out for its unwavering support of community initiatives, consistently contributing to Chamber activities and Italian cultural events with generosity and enthusiasm.
The Enterprise of the Year Award was presented to The Excellence Group, a company that has rapidly emerged as a leader in the luxury interiors and design sector. Built from the ground up, the business has grown exponentially in under a decade, now employing over 230 people and delivering projects across eight African countries. With four factories and seven showrooms, The Excellence Group has positioned itself as a gateway for prestigious international — and proudly Italian — brands, seamlessly integrating global luxury with South African craftsmanship. Their remarkable growth, paired with a clear and compelling vision, reflects a business operating at scale while remaining grounded in entrepreneurial spirit.
Honouring Leadership and Legacy
The Business Person of the Year Award was presented to Aurelio Grech-Cumbo of RGC Engineering, in recognition of over four decades of exceptional leadership and industry contribution. Under his guidance, the company has evolved into a respected provider of advanced metrology and precision engineering solutions, working alongside global industry leaders and maintaining the highest standards through ISO 9001 certification and SANAS accreditation.
Beyond his professional achievements, Grech-Cumbo has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the engineering sector through skills development. As a founding member and director of INTSIMBI/PTSA, he has contributed to the training of over 1,500 students across South Africa. His longstanding support of the Chamber, coupled with his commitment to community and mentorship, exemplifies leadership that extends far beyond business success.
In a moment of deep respect and recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Giovanni Coci, honouring a distinguished career in medicine spanning South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Eswatini. A specialist in Internal Medicine and a member of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Coci has held senior leadership roles, including Head of Medicine in the ICU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
His unwavering dedication was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he remained on the frontlines, continuing to serve patients in critical times. In 2022, his contributions were recognised with the prestigious Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy. His legacy is not only reflected in his professional achievements but also in the countless lives he has impacted through care, mentorship, and service.
A Spirit of Purpose
As the evening celebrated achievement and excellence, it also reflected the Chamber’s enduring commitment to giving back. In support of the Little Eden Society, an organisation dedicated to caring for individuals living with profound intellectual disabilities, guests and partners united in the spirit of generosity and community upliftment, raising a record-breaking R241.000.
The initiative once again highlighted the importance of compassion and social responsibility within the Italian-South African business community, reinforcing the Chamber’s belief that meaningful success is measured not only by business achievement, but also by the positive impact made on the lives of others.
Acknowledging Our Partners
The Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to the evening’s main sponsors — Nedbank, Italtile, The Excellence Group, Turkish Airlines, MSC Cruises, and Technogym — whose continued support made the event possible.
Appreciation is also extended to the product sponsors, including Campari (Aperol), Vinotria, Idiom Wines, Clearworld, and Shattered Glass, for their valuable contributions in enhancing the guest experience.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Business Excellence Awards once again reaffirmed the values at the heart of the Italian-South African business community — resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. As businesses continue to navigate an evolving global landscape, the evening served as a powerful reminder that strategic vision, strong partnerships, and bold leadership remain the cornerstones of lasting success.
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A charity gala dinner recognizing the crème de la crème of Italian business in South Africa
The Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries has been organizing this event annually since 1999.
As a Charity Gala Dinner gathering more than 250 people - including members and non-members of the Italian Chamber - the BEAs are a great opportunity for companies/attendees to build their network, connecting and integrating Italian and South African economies.
The BEAs are also an excellent springboard for exploring and investing in the rich historical relations between Italy and South Africa.
2024
Business Person of the Year: Matteo Brambilla– Red Rockett
Business Enterprise of the Year: Savino Del Bene
Lifetime Achievement Award: Mirella K. Corsetti
SMILE SME of the Year: Slingshot Consulting
2023
Business Person of the Year: Guido Giachetti – RDC Property Group
Business Enterprise of the Year: Ariston South Africa
Lifetime Recognition Award: Maurizio Mariano
SMILE Medium Enterprise of the Year: Diva Cucine
SMILE SMALL Business of the Year: Mosaic Arts
2022
Business Person of the Year: Stefano Marani - Renergen
Business Enterprise of the Year: MSC
Lifetime Recognition Award: Alberto Fogolin
Special Mention Award: Italian Club
2019
Business Person of the Year: Giorgio Cavalieri
Business Enterprise of the Year: Alitalia
Lifetime Recognition Award: Roberto Giuricich
Chairperson’s Excellence Award: Sara Andreotti
2018
Business Person of the Year: Fred Crabbia -
Mining Pressure System
Business Enterprise of the Year: Lucchini South Africa
Lifetime Recognition Award: Mario Angelo Marion
Professional of the Year: Tiziana Adduc - Paediatrician
2017
Business Person of the Year: Giuseppe Plumari - Steyn City
Business Enterprise of the Year: Pabar
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Gianluca Abela - Nutrifit
Lifetime Recognition Award: Luciano Enrico Gastaldi - Fruit and Veg City
2016
Business Person of the Year: Antonio Di Loreto
Business Enterprise of the Year: Ansaldo Energia - Fata
Chairperson’s Excellence Award: Gianni Ravazzotti
Lifetime Recognition Award: Mathew Giuricich
2015
Business Person of the Year: Dina Soukop -
Soukop Property Group
Business Enterprise of the Year: Enel Green Power
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Paolo Borzatta
Chairperson’s Excellence Award: Giuseppe Cimato
Lifetime Recognition Award: Franco Guidozzi
2014
Business Person of the Year: Paolo Cavalieri - Holland
Business Enterprise of the Year: IVECO
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Costantino Buccimazza - BPB Construction
Lifetime Recognition Award: Carmine Angelucci
2013
Business Person of the Year: Antonio Iozzo - IUM
Business Enterprise of the Year: SMEG South Africa
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Tato Carrello - Carrello Autobody
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Vera Giovitto - Mosaic Art
Chairperson’s Excellence Award: Marcello Fiasconaro
Lifetime Recognition Award: Piero Rossi
2012
Business Person of the Year: Carlo Gonzaga - Taste Holdings
Business Enterprise of the Year: Viglietti Motors
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Matteo Amatruda - A+L Unlimited Design
Lifetime Recognition Award: Renato Fioravanti
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: H.E. Thenjlwe Mtintso
2011
Business Person of the Year: Franco Scribante - Scribante Construction
Business Enterprise of the Year: MA Automotive Rosslyn
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Simone Zanetti - Allos Consulting
Lifetime Recognition Award: Luigi Buccimazza
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Marco Alberti (Southern Wind Shipyard
2010
Business Person of the Year: Luigi Stravino (BLC Plant Company
Business Enterprise of the Year: Luxottica SA
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Roberto Regasto - Pagliari Group
Lifetime Recognition Award: Andrea Bollo - Wanda Bollo Estate
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Giulio Bertrand - Morgenster
2008
Business Person of the Year: Luciano Previtera and Michele Mirotto - Rialto Foods
Business Enterprise of the Year: Putco
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Giovanni Contaldi - Courierit
Lifetime Recognition Award: Adriana De Stefanis
2007
Business Person of the Year: Antonio Cimato - Efficient Engineering
Business Enterprise of the Year: Country Food
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Marcello Palumbo - Filcon Group
Lifetime Recognition Award: Domenica Ferrucci Burzacchi
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Maestro Edoardo Villa
2006
Business Person of the Year: Dean Fragale - Girlock
Business Enterprise of the Year: Duferco Steel Processing
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Sebastiano Iorio (Cargo Embassy) & Stefano Lavarone (Great African Seating)
Lifetime Recognition Award: Domitilla Rota Hymas - Little Eden
Honorary Chairperson’s Special Award: Giorgio Gorelli - Fiat Auto SA
2005
Business Person of the Year: Desmond Sacco - Assore and Assmang
Business Enterprise of the Year: M&F Giurich Developments
Young and Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year: Andrea Deiana - Metal Lux SA
Lifetime Recognition Award: Claudia Giuricich
2004
Business Man of the Year: Mark Lamberti - Massmart Holdings
Business Woman of the Year: Giovana Secco - Kudu Farms
2002
Graniti Tecnica - Franco D’Agnolo
2001
Fiat Auto S.A. - Bruno De Mori
Aeroporti di Roma - Carmine Bassetti
Castellano-Beltrame - Franco Beltrame
2000
Giovanni Ravazzotti - Italtile and Ceramic Industries
1999
Domenico Cioffi - Mimmo’s