The excitement surrounding the Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards continues, and if you took part in the nominations phase, now is the time to keep a close eye on your emails and answer those unknown calls.

Our readers once again showed incredible support for their favourite local businesses, with more than 28 000 nomination emails received during phase one of the competition. And while businesses are competing for top honours, readers are also in line to win fantastic prizes simply for taking part.

Among our first round of reader winners were Pranitha Maharajh and Nathlie Pather who each won a R1 000 La Tierra Spa voucher, Michelle Mathysen received a R1 000 meal voucher from Pontos Umhlanga, and Morne Mathysen, Chanelle Grobler, Darren Jankelow, Jonathan Shuttle and Nicola Taylor each received a R500 Lady Jane voucher.

We are now preparing to draw the next round of reader prize winners from our remaining nomination participants before turning our attention to those readers who cast their votes during the voting phase of Best of Durban.

If you nominated a business or submitted your votes, your name could still be selected. So be sure to check your inbox regularly, keep your phone nearby and watch out for messages from the Best of Durban team. Your support of local businesses could be rewarded with one of our fantastic sponsored prizes.