Time nearly out to book for 2016’s #1 social event

ANT KATZ

Nominations for the 2016 Jewish Achiever Awards have closed and winners have been chosen. Their names are locked away and will only be revealed on the night.

There are still a limited number of individual seats and tables available – but, as in previous years, it is bound to be a sell-out affair as space at the prestigious VodaWorld venue is limited.

Last month Absa signed another big, multi-year sponsorship contract – much of it for the networking and entertainment value they and their clients derive from the event.

Read what some of last year’s attendees said to Suzanne Belling after the event:

BARBARA LEVY, whose late husband Ivan was in the forefront of leadership in the SAJBD and other communal organisations, said the Achievers had reconnected her with the community. “The event is too wonderful. It brings people together, recognises business and other achievement and, especially with young entrepreneurship, encourages people to stay in South Africa, realising the country still has a lot to offer.”

STORY CONTINUES BELOW RAZZLE-DAZZLE PIC…

ABOVE: Just when people say it couldn’t get any better, the fundraising event somehow manages to outdo itself, year after year. And, by all accounts, 2016 will continue this legacy. But you’ll only know if you are there. To avoid disappointment, make sure you book your seats or tables soon by simply clicking here: RSVP@sajewishreport.co.za 

GRAHAM KLUK, husband of the President of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mary Kluk, felt the Achievers banquet provides an opportunity for people to get together once a year and celebrate the triumphs and activities of the Jewish community. “I have been twice before and am very impressed – it’s fantastic,” he said.

RIGHT: SAJBD President Mary Kluk’s husband, Graham,said after attending his third Absa Achievers event in 2015: “I have been twice before and am very impressed – it’s fantastic,”

STACEY SWARTZBERG, who was part of the Discovery table, stressed the importance of bringing the Jewish community together in a social setting. “The Jews of South Africa make a vast contribution to the GDP of the country. It is fantastic that they always give back huge amounts to both the Jewish and general communities,” she said.

STEVEN DAVE is “proudly South African” and even wore a bowtie in the colours of the national flag to identify with this feeling. He said SA has provided its Jewish citizens with the opportunity to achieve. “Of course, we have a little bit of tsoris, but let’s not even go there! It is always good to recognise and acknowledge the success of entrepreneurs and go-getters,” he stressed.

JONATHAN COOPER said an evening such as the Jewish Achiever Awards sends out a message to the “detractors of Jews that in this show of unity, we are part of progress and achievement – an important part of society and business. The vibe is amazing and this event is unique – something we can claim as our own.”

SASHA STAR – ChaiFM newsreader, who covers worldwide events on radio, including reporting on the Oscars in Hollywood, said that for her, the event is “basically the Jewish Oscars”.

ANTONY SEEFF described the gala dinner as “incredible” and “an event the community should be proud of”. He said celebrating success is encouraging. “I am proud to be part of this as it is important to get a dose of positivity in this day and age.”

VICKI KUPER, a veteran communal worker for the Jewish NGO ORT, said the composition of her table was a microcosm of people in South Africa and was an example of ubuntu. “I now understand what ubuntu means and also why Jews and Afrikaners get on so well together, according to a remark that was passed at our table.” The event is underrated, she believes.