The inaugural Best of Ermelo Readers’ Choice Awards honoured the community’s most trusted businesses, organisations and individuals during a morning ceremony at African Sky Hotels Ermelo Inn on Thursday, July 9.

Following months of nominations and public voting, finalists and winners gathered alongside community leaders and invited guests to celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories.

A special Best of Ermelo Winners’ supplement will be published in the week of August 28, celebrating this year’s winners and recognising the businesses and organisations that make Ermelo exceptional. The supplement also offers businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, services and brand to the community. If you would like to advertise in the supplement, contact our sales team, who will be happy to assist you with a tailored advertising package to suit your needs.

The awards recognised businesses and individuals who have earned the trust and support of the communities they serve.

Proceedings were led by master of ceremonies Lion du Plessis, an Ermelo resident, president of Agri Mpumalanga (AgriMP) and one of this year’s Best of Ermelo nominees, who guided guests through the presentation of the awards.

Guest speaker Marié Otto, a registered specialist counsellor in play therapy, holds Honours degrees in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Pretoria and a Master’s degree in Play Therapy from the University of South Africa. Having worked extensively with traumatised children since 2001, she encouraged attendees to view success as more than just financial performance.

Drawing on both psychology and personal experience, she said the strongest businesses are those that build lasting relationships and become part of the communities they serve.

Summing up her message, Otto said: “The greatest businesses in small towns do not simply operate within a community – they become part of its story. The most valuable asset is not the buildings they own or the products they sell, but the trust they earn, the relationships they nurture and the hope they help create for future generations.”

She also reflected on the African philosophy of ubuntu, reminding attendees that “I am because we are”. She emphasised that communities thrive when people and businesses invest in one another.

The Best of Ermelo Readers’ Choice Awards reflected that very principle, with thousands of readers participating in the nomination and voting process to recognise businesses and individuals who consistently deliver outstanding service and make meaningful contributions to the Ermelo community.

Highvelder editor Wayne van der Walt thanked the community for embracing the initiative. “Congratulations to every winner and finalist on this well-deserved recognition. Being acknowledged by the community you serve is one of the highest honours any business or individual can receive.

“I also extend my sincere gratitude to every reader who nominated and voted, as well as our valued sponsors – African Sky Hotels Ermelo Inn, Merino Mall and Purejoy Water – for helping make the inaugural Best of Ermelo Readers’ Choice Awards a success.

“Most importantly, thank you to the people of Ermelo. These awards are a reflection of your voices and trust, and we look forward to celebrating excellence with you for many years to come.”