Welcome to the “Best of” Competition Rules Page!
We know reading the fine print isn’t the most exciting part of the competition, but we’ve worked hard to keep it clear, relevant, and fair.
With thousands of businesses participating, we want to ensure everyone enjoys a transparent and credible experience.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, click here to contact us. We’re here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!
General Overview
The “Best of” competition celebrates top businesses as nominated and voted for by the public.
Our goal is to provide a trusted platform for recognising excellence while giving businesses an opportunity to stand out in their communities.
We take fairness, transparency, and integrity seriously, ensuring that every business and every vote is treated with equal respect.
Definitions
- Main Category: Broad business groupings (e.g., Shopping, Medical, Motoring).
- Sub-Category: Specific segments under a main category (e.g., “Best Hospital” under Medical).
- Nominations Phase: First phase, where businesses are nominated by the public.
- Voting Phase: Second phase, where the public votes for nominees to determine winners.
- Sponsors: Partners supporting the competition with prizes or promotion.
Nominations Phase
- Duration: Usually runs for one month (may vary by region).
- Unlimited Nominations: Voters can nominate as many businesses as they wish in each sub-category.
- Process: Nominations are submitted online at www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/. Each nomination must include the business name and relevant sub-category.
- Automatic Entry: Any business with at least one valid nomination automatically enters the competition.
Eligibility for Voting Phase
- Automatic Qualification: Businesses with at least one valid nomination move to the voting phase.
- Sub-Category Minimum: A sub-category must have at least two nominees to proceed to voting.
- Category Adjustments: Organisers may create or merge categories for inclusivity or fairness.
- Regional Focus: Only businesses with a physical presence in the competition area are eligible (exceptions reviewed case-by-case). Organisers’ decisions are final.
Voting Phase
- Duration: Typically one month (may vary).
- Setup: All qualified businesses appear on the voting platform after nominations close.
Voting Limitations
The “Best of” competition is built on the principle of fairness and community spirit, giving every person a single, equal opportunity to vote for their favourite businesses. To ensure every vote has the same weight and no one gains an unfair advantage, we have strict limitations in place:
- One Vote Per Sub-Category: Each voter can cast one vote per sub-category (e.g., one vote for Best Coffee Shop, one vote for Best Hair Salon). This ensures that everyone’s voice is heard equally.
- A minimum of 10 questions per main category entered need to be completed for the votes to count.
- Technical Safeguards:
- Only one vote per device/IP address is allowed per sub-category.
- Attempts to bypass this rule by using multiple devices, VPNs, automated scripts, or other manipulative tactics are not permitted and will be removed during audits.
These limitations help keep the competition genuine and community-driven, reflecting the true preferences of our readers and customers.
Transparency, Fair Play & Audits
- Winners are determined by the number of valid votes.
- A comprehensive audit is conducted after voting closes to identify irregularities.
- Suspicious or invalid votes (e.g., mass voting from the same device, automated submissions, or other attempts to manipulate results) will be removed.
- The competition organisers reserve the right not to disclose technical details of audits or specific data to ensure the integrity of future competitions.
- The organiser’s decision on all matters, including eligibility and final results, is final and binding.
Disqualification
Businesses or voters may be disqualified for:
- Attempting to manipulate the voting process (e.g., mass or automated voting).
- Violating competition rules or fair-play guidelines.
- Encouraging fraudulent activity.
Suspicious cases will be investigated, and the organiser reserves the right to take appropriate action.
Rule Changes
The organisers may amend rules where necessary. Updates will be published on this page.
Privacy & Communication
- Opt-In Communication: By voting or nominating, participants agree to receive updates about the competition.
- Data Privacy: Personal data is handled per the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
- No External Sharing: Data will never be shared without consent.
- Right to Unsubscribe: Participants can opt out of emails at any time.
Summary
These rules exist to make the “Best of” competition fair, credible, and enjoyable for everyone. By participating, you help celebrate the businesses that truly stand out in our community.
